Non-typhoidal Salmonella bacteraemia in elderly patients: an increased risk for endovascular infections, osteomyelitis and mortality

Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) is a common pathogen causing foodborne infections, bacteraemia, and extra-intestinal focal infections (EFIs) in humans. The study compares the clinical characteristics of elderly patients with NTS bacteraemia with those of young adults. Of 272 adults with NTS bacteraemia identified in this study, 162 (59.6%) were aged >= 55 years. EFIs were observed in 36% of the 162 patients. The most common EFIs in the elderly patients (>= 55 years) was mycotic aneurysm, followed by pulmonary infections and bone/joint infections. Elderly patients more often had chronic heart, lung, renal and malignant diseases, had more EFIs, and a higher 30-day mortality rate. Independent factors of 30-day mortality in elderly patients were solid-organ tumour [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.4, P=0.003], mycotic aneurysm (aOR 3.7, P=0.023) and shock (aOR 12.1, P<0.0001). HIV infection, autoimmune diseases, and receipt of immunosuppressive therapy were more often observed in young patients.