A retrospective study of factors which determine a negative blood culture in Cambodian children diagnosed with enteric fever.

Background: Blood cultures are used to confirm a diagnosis of enteric fever but reported sensitivities can be as low as 40%.

Aims: To determine the factors associated with a negative blood culture in Cambodian children with suspected enteric fever.

Methods: In a retrospective study of hospitalised Cambodian children given a discharge diagnosis of enteric fever, the following factors associated with a negative blood culture were analysed: age, blood culture volume, prior antibiotic therapy, duration of illness and disease severity.