Invasive Non-Typhoidal Salmonella in Sickle Cell Disease in Africa: Is Increased Gut Permeability the Missing Link?

Authors

Seah H. Lim, New York Medical CollegeFollow
Barbara A. Methe
Bettina M. Knoll, New York Medical CollegeFollow
Alison Morris
Stephen K. Obaro

Journal Title

Journal of Translational Medicine

First Page

239

Document Type

Editorial

Publication Date

August 2018

Department

Medicine

Abstract

Non-typhoidal Salmonella usually induces self-limiting gastroenteritis. However, in many parts of Africa, especially in individuals who are malnourished, infected with malaria, or have sickle cell disease, the organism causes serious and potentially fatal systemic infections. Since the portal of entry of non-typhoidal Salmonella into the systemic circulation is by way of the intestine, we argue that an increased gut permeability plays a vital role in the initiation of invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella in these patients. Here, we will appraise the evidence supporting a breach in the intestinal barrier and propose the mechanisms for the increased risks for invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella infections in these individuals.

Recommended Citation

Lim, S. H., Methe, B., Knoll, B., Morris, A., & Obaro, S. (2018). Invasive Non-Typhoidal Salmonella in Sickle Cell Disease in Africa: Is Increased Gut Permeability the Missing Link?. Journal of Translational Medicine, 16 (1), 239. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-018-1622-4