From the Guidelines
Salmonella contamination typically causes changes in the Complete Blood Count (CBC) that include leukocytosis (elevated white blood cell count), often with a left shift showing increased neutrophils and band forms. However, some patients may initially present with leukopenia (decreased white blood cells), particularly in the early stages of infection or in severe cases, such as those with advanced HIV disease (CD4+ count <200 cells/µL) 1. Anemia may develop in prolonged infections due to the inflammatory process. Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) can also occur, especially in severe infections or if disseminated intravascular coagulation develops. These CBC changes are not specific to Salmonella and require confirmation through blood or stool cultures. Key CBC changes to monitor include:
- Leukocytosis or leukopenia
- Left shift with increased neutrophils and band forms
- Anemia
- Thrombocytopenia The CBC abnormalities typically resolve with appropriate antibiotic treatment, which may include ciprofloxacin or azithromycin, depending on antibiotic susceptibility and the patient's immune status, with a treatment duration of 7--14 days for patients with CD4+ counts >200 cells/µL and mild gastroenteritis, and a longer course of 2--6 weeks for patients with advanced HIV disease 1. Monitoring CBC during treatment can help assess response to therapy, with normalization of white blood cell counts indicating improvement. These changes reflect the body's immune response to the bacterial infection, with white blood cells mobilizing to fight the pathogen.
From the Research
CBC Changes in Salmonella Contamination
- CBC (Complete Blood Count) changes are not directly mentioned in the provided studies as a specific outcome of Salmonella contamination.
- However, the studies discuss the treatment and management of Salmonella infections, including the use of antibiotics such as azithromycin and ciprofloxacin 2, 3.
- In the context of Salmonella Typhi infection, treatment with azithromycin was associated with prolonged bacteraemia and fever clearance times compared to ciprofloxacin 2.
- The prevention and control of Salmonella contamination in foods is crucial to enhance food safety and quality for humans, and various strategies such as biosecurity measures, vaccination, and the application of phages and probiotics can be employed 4.
- Resistance to ciprofloxacin in Salmonella enterica has become a global concern, and alternative antibiotics such as ceftriaxone may be necessary for treatment 3, 5.
- In cases of sepsis, including those caused by Salmonella, initial antimicrobial management is critical, and empiric broad-spectrum therapy may be necessary, followed by de-escalation and antimicrobial stewardship 6.