Severe Infant Meningoencephalitis Caused by Salmonella Apeyeme: A Case Report

Abstract

Salmonella enterica serovar Apeyeme is a rare pathogen that primarily affects poultry. However, there are limited data about this infection in humans. In this case, a 7-month-old infant presented with high-grade fever without diarrhea for 12 hours prior to admission. Upon admission, he developed seizures and was referred for further intervention. He was diagnosed with meningoencephalitis with complications of subdural effusion, empyema, and abscesses. Salmonella Apeyeme was found in cerebrospinal fluid culture, but no growth was detected in either blood or stool cultures. He was given meropenem, vancomycin, and ciprofloxacin, but later developed disseminated intravascular coagulation. His clinical condition deteriorated over time, and he died 18 days after admission. To conclude, Salmonella Apeyeme infection should be considered if a patient is diagnosed with meningoencephalitis and has a history of poultry exposure.