Ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection with non-typhoidal Salmonella species in an infant

Pediatr Neurosurg. 2013;49(6):374-6. doi: 10.1159/000369172. Epub 2014 Nov 26.

Abstract

Shunt infections are common in pediatric neurosurgery. We present a case of a 3-month-old male with a history of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus after premature birth who presented to the emergency department with irritability and decreased oral intake. His presentation was concerning for shunt infection and evaluation for this was undertaken. He was found to have a shunt infection due to non-Salmonellatyphi species, a rare cause of meningitis in children in the United States and rarer cause of shunt infection. With effective treatment for this organism, the patient did well and was discharged home in good condition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Hydrocephalus / surgery*
  • Infant
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / surgery*
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / diagnosis*
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / drug therapy
  • Salmonella / pathogenicity*
  • Salmonella Infections / diagnosis*
  • Salmonella Infections / drug therapy
  • Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt / adverse effects*