Rapid detection of Salmonella and country report

Abstract

The incidence of typhoid fever in Taiwan peaked in the latter half of 1930s with an average of 1800 cases a year. Since then, with no apparent epidemics, it gradually but steadily decreased; and now, the incidence fluctuated between 40 and 80 cases a year with no death. Recently, a retrospective study was done on the clinical features of 71 pediatric patients who were confirmed to have typhoid fever and treated at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between 1982 to 1995. Majority of the cases were found in the hot season with a peak in July. Of the 71, all had a high fever (>38°C); 52% abdominal pain; 21% nausea/vomitting; 35% diarrhea; and 14% constipation. Other clinical features seen were, hepatosplenomegaly (56%), abdominal tenderness (28%), skin rash (11%), jaundice (3%), and “toxic look” (only one). White blood cell counts were about 104 cells/mm3 for <4 years olds, and 6.5-6.9 × 103 cells/mm3 for 5-15 years olds. Complications were seen in 25%. 16 strains were tested for their sensitivity to 7 antibiotics, and all were sensitive. Unlike typhoid fever, non-typhoid salmonellosis is rampant in Taiwan. To rapidly detect Salmonella infection, an effective multiplex PCR method was devised. In some cases, Salmonella at the serovar level can be identified with this method in a day.