AN UNUSUAL SPURT OF SALMONELLA ENTERICA SEROVAR PARATYPHI B INFECTION DETECTED IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN KOLKATA

BACKGROUND Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi B is a member of the genus Salmonella of the Enterobacteriaceae family. They cause enteric fever as well as gastroenteritis in humans. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi A are the predominant types of Salmonella responsible for enteric fever in India. However, this study is based on an unusual spurt of Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi B infection, which had not been isolated in our laboratory for last four years. MATERIALS AND METHODS Blood cultures were taken from the patients. After incubation, routine subculture was done on MacConkey agar and blood agar media. Relevant biochemical tests were done for identification of the growth followed by agglutination for serotyping. Finally, antibiotic sensitivity tests were done. RESULTS The causative organism was diagnosed as Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi B by blood culture, biochemical tests and serotyping. No major drug resistance was detected. CONCLUSION Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi B is an uncommon cause of enteric fever. We must keep our eyes and ears open every time we isolate non-lactose fermenting gram-negative bacilli from blood or stool. Unless this awareness is maintained, these infections will be very difficult to contain and will become a serious problem in the near future.