A case report of Salmonella meningitis in an adult patient

A rare case of Salmonella meningitis in an adult patient is reported. A 65-year-old Japanese woman with chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis suddenly suffered from severe headache, nausea and vomiting after a trip to Southeast Asia. She had been taking predonine and azathioprine for the treatment of chronic hepatitis. Symptoms and signs resembled a cerebral aneurysm or meningitis. Examination of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and a bacterial culture comfirmed meningitis by Salmonella enteritidis. The patient responded to antibiotic therapy and recovered well except for left ptosis, anisocoria and a sensory disturbance from the right upper arm to the palm. This case suggests Salmonella infection may result in septicemia and meningitis in adult patients with compromised health.