PAEDIATRIC ENTERIC FEVER DUE TO SALMONELLA PARATYPHI A: A CASE SERIES HIGHLIGHTING CLINICAL FEATURES AND TREATMENT OUTCOMES

Enteric fever caused by Salmonella Paratyphi A is increasingly recognized as an important cause of febrile illness among children in endemic regions. This case series describes six pediatric patients who presented with acute febrile illness of 4–7 days duration, commonly associated with abdominal pain, headache, vomiting, or diarrhoea. Hepatomegaly was observed in several cases. Laboratory ndings consistently showed leukopenia, marked eosinopenia, and elevated C-reactive protein levels. Blood cultures yielded S. Paratyphi A with a short time-to-positivity ranging from 12 to 18 hours. All isolates were sensitive to ceftriaxone and other rst-line agents, except nalidixic acid, to which resistance was observed in most cases. All patients responded well to ceftriaxone therapy without complications. This series emphasizes the need for early blood culture conrmation, appropriate antibiotic use, and regular surveillance of antimicrobial resistance to ensure optimal management of paediatric Salmonella Paratyphi Ainfections.