Recurrent Salmonella meningitis in a compromised host.

A 26-year-old woman with Hodgkin's disease had recurrent episodes of meningitis caused by Salmonella enteritidis serotype poona, which responded well to antimicrobial therapy. An extensive investigation failed to reveal a focus of infection. A defective cellular immune response and the intracellular location of these microorganisms probably accounted for the pattern of infection seen in this patient. The need for long-term therapy in compromised patients with this type of infection is stressed.