Intrauterine infection caused by nontyphoidal Salmonella: a literature review

Abstract

Objectives

Although nontyphoidal Salmonella infections have a prevalence of 0.2–1.8%. It is mostly described in veterinary medicine; it could be responsible for severe intra-amniotic infections in humans. The objective of this review is to describe the clinical and microbiological aspects of intrauterine infection (IUI) caused by nontyphoidal Salmonella.

Methods

We reported a case analysis and subsequently conducted a systematic literature review of IUI caused by nontyphoidal Salmonella between 1966 and 2018.

Results

In literature nine cases have been reported, and were confirmed by the identification of a nontyphoidal Salmonella in the biological samples. Our review reveals severe clinical presentations in pregnant women. Indeed, sepsis, spontaneous abortions, and fatal outcomes for fetuses were described in 90, 60, and 80% of the cases, respectively. The major clinical symptoms were in majority acute, with high fever, abdominal pain, metrorrhagia, and premature membranes ruptures. Nulliparity is a risk factor and the prognosis depends on the pregnancy stage. All mothers received antibiotics and their outcomes were favorable.

Conclusions

Nontyphoidal Salmonella infections can be responsible for severe pregnancy complications. Considering the severe neonatal prognosis, in case of a history of diarrhea and/or sepsis, a search for this pathogen should be considered, and a preventive strategy could be discussed during pregnancy.

Keywords:

• Intrauterine infection
• nontyphoidal Salmonella
• pregnancy complication

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Dr. My-Linh Dang-Vu for English editing. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.