Youkap Nixon Joe Djomo and Guy Sedar Singor Njateng*
Introduction: Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause illness in humans, ranging from gastroenteritis to serious systemic infections. However, its diagnosis remains a challenge for developing countries. Delayed or incorrect diagnosis of Salmonella infections can have negative consequences on the vital prognosis of patients and significant medical costs for the healthcare system. The aim of this study was to evaluate selected hepatic and renal biochemical markers that can be used to optimise monitoring and manage this disease.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted between April and June 2024 in 166 volunteer who gave their consent in Bafoussam Regional Hospital and Mifi District Hospital. A questionnaire was given to each participant on admission, followed by stool and blood sampling. Following stool culture and biochemical tests, the participants were seperated into positive and negative groups. Hepatic and renal biochemical markers were evaluated using standard methods from commercial kits and automated biochemical analysers. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22 software.
Results: At the end of this study, 18/166 cases of Salmonella infections were observed, representing a prevalence of 10.8%. Clinical manifestations such as fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache and loss of appetite were strongly associated with the disease (95% CI>1). Student's test showed that alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, C-reactive protein, direct and total bilirubin were significantly elevated in the infected patients, particularly the elders (P<0.003), indicating liver damage.
Conclusion: The results of this study highlight the burden of Salmonella infections and the need to reinforce prevention and epidemiological surveillance measures in this region. Analyses of hepatic biochemical markers showed the severity of these infections, highlighting the fact that, it is important to carefully monitor these parameters in order to optimize the management of infected patients.
Published Date: 2025-08-29; Received Date: 2025-05-26