Nontypical Salmonella meningitis in an infant.

A previously healthy 3-month-old girl was admitted to the hospital after 1 day of fever, decreased oral intake, irritability, lethargy, and decreased activity. Examination disclosed a bulging anterior fontanelle, tachycardia (heart rate of 160 beats/minute), and urate crystals in her diaper. Lumbar puncture revealed meningitis. She was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and fluids. A urine culture was negative, but blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures came back positive for Salmonella species, nontyphoid. During her hospitalization, she developed seizures but quickly improved with treatment and made a complete recovery with no sequela. Additional inquiry disclosed that the baby spent several days a week at her grandparents' house, where they raised chickens and ate fresh chicken eggs, which are well-known carriers for Salmonella.