A Case-Control Study of the Epidemiology of Sporadic Salmonella Infection in Infants

Rates of Salmonella infection are highest in infants, but little is known about potential sources of infection in this high-risk population. We performed a case-control study to identify dietary and environmental risk factors for sporadic salmonellosis among infants. In 2002-2004, the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network conducted a population-based, case-control study of sporadic salmonellosis among infants 6 months of age. Attending day care with a child with diarrhea was associated with salmonellosis in infants >6 months of age. We identified a number of modifiable protective and risk factors for salmonellosis in infants. Attention should be directed at developing effective preventive measures for this high-risk population.