Spontaneous non-typhoidal Salmonella peritonitis in patients with serious underlying disorders

J de la Fuente-Aguado1, J Bordón, A R Esteban

  • 1Unit of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Xeral, E-Vigo, Spain.

Infection
|June 23, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Non-typhoidal Salmonella is a rare cause of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Immunosuppression and organism virulence are key factors, prompting vigilance in patients with SBP and normal ascitic fluid protein.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Gastroenterology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is typically caused by Gram-negative enteric pathogens.
  • Non-typhoidal Salmonella is an uncommon etiology of SBP, particularly in patients without significant liver disease.

Observation:

  • This study reports five cases of non-typhoidal Salmonella SBP and reviews existing literature.
  • Patients often present with underlying conditions leading to immunosuppression, such as malignancy.

Findings:

  • Ascitic fluid protein levels in non-typhoidal Salmonella SBP cases can vary, with some patients exhibiting levels below 1.5 g/dl and others above 2.5 g/dl.
  • Both patient immunosuppression and Salmonella virulence appear critical in the pathogenesis of this infection.

Implications:

  • Physicians should consider non-typhoidal Salmonella in the differential diagnosis of SBP, especially in immunocompromised patients.
  • The possibility of SBP with normal ascitic fluid protein levels necessitates a high index of suspicion for unusual pathogens.

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