Vertical transmission of serotype Paratyphi A leading to abortion.

Enteric fever, caused by serotype Typhi (typhoid fever) or serotype Paratyphi A, B or C (paratyphoid fever), is a major health problem in developing countries. Vertical transmission of can cause miscarriage, still birth, preterm labour and neonatal sepsis. In the literature, many cases of vertical transmission of Typhi from mother to foetus have been reported, but there are very limited studies showing vertical transmission of Paratyphi. Here, we report a rare case of serotype Paratyphi A infection in a pregnant woman resulting in a spontaneous miscarriage. serotype Paratyphi A was isolated from placental membrane in culture. A high index of suspicion, along with timely cultures of relevant samples, like blood and stool, and timely initiation of antibiotic therapy in pregnancy could possibly save the lives of such foetuses.