Clinical features and drug resistance analysis of non-typhoidal Salmonella infection in children.

INTRODUCTION There is limited information on non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) infections among children in China. The aim of this study was to explore the clinical features, strain serotypes, and drug resistance patterns of NTS infection in children. METHODOLOGY A retrospective study of children with NTS admitted to three tertiary hospitals between January 2015 and December 2024 was conducted. The clinical features and drug resistance were compared among the patients.

Results

Out of a total of 131 patients, 94 cases (71.76%) visited the hospital between June and September, and 82 cases (62.60%) were aged 6 months to 2 years. The main clinical manifestations were fever and diarrhea, with 94 cases (71.76%) presenting high fever (> 39 ℃) and 129 cases (98.50%) experiencing diarrhea. Stool consistency was predominantly loose paste or watery. Regarding serotypes, Salmonella Typhimurium was the most common (96 cases, 73.28%), while Salmonella Dublin ranked second (12 cases, 9.16%). The study revealed an increasing resistance rate to ceftriaxone. High resistance rates (> 80%) were observed for ampicillin, cefazolin, and gentamicin; whereas high sensitivity (> 90%) was noted for ceftazidime, piperacillin-tazobactam, and carbapenems. The rate of sensitivity to ceftazidime was linearly correlated with age (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

NTS predominantly occurred in summer and autumn among children aged 6 months to 2 years. The clinical features were primarily fever and diarrhea. Given the rising resistance to ceftriaxone, ceftazidime may be prioritized for empirical treatment.