[Fulminant encephalopathy due to Shigella flexneri].
BACKGROUND
In some rare cases, Shigella flexneri infection may be associated with fulminating encephatopathy.


METHODS
A 6-year-old girl was admitted with fever, diarrhea and consciousness abnormalities. Brain CT scan was normal. Shigella flexneri type 2 was isolated from the stools. Despite antibiotic therapy, the encephalopathy was lethal. Two siblings were also infected, the first with only diarrhea, the second with headache and mild consciousness abnormalities: both children had a favorable course.


CONCLUSIONS
Shigella flexneri encephalopathy is associated with high mortality rate in developed countries. Presence of headache could be a poor prognostic factor.
Dieu-Osika
S
S
Service de pédiatrie, hôpital Jean-Verdier, Bondy, France.
Tazarourte-Pinturier
M F
MF
Dessemme
P
P
Rousseau
R
R
Sauvion
S
S
Nathanson
M
M
Gaudelus
J
J
D002648:Child; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000209:etiology; D004405:Dysentery, Bacillary / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D018792:Encephalitis, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012763:Shigella flexneri
Encéphalopathie fulminante à Shigella flexneri.