[Pleuropulmonary manifestations of salmonellosis]

Salmonella infections are widespread particularly in tropical zones. Each year, 12.5 million cases of typhoid fever are reported with an incidence of 540 cases for every 100,000 inhabitants in developing countries versus 0.2 cases in industrialized countries. Pleuropulmonary manifestations constitute the most common extra-intestinal manifestation of salmonella infection. Counts are usually carried out in the digestive tract. Respiratory tract manifestations result from blood-borne diffusion from mesenteric lymph nodes, but gastroenteritis goes unnoticed in 2 of 3 cases. Predisposing factors are frequent including cancer, previous graft placement and immunosuppressant therapy, sickle cell disease, alcohol abuse, and pre-existing pulmonary disease. Clinical manifestations are usually acute but subacute forms cannot be ruled out. Cough is a common symptom observed in 25% of patients with typhoid fever. Pneumonia is uncommon overall (1%) but occurs in 50% of patients with pleural effusion, empyema, lung abscess, or bronchopleural fistula. A few cases of adult respiratory distress syndrome have been described in the literature. Recognition is important since these manifestations may signal previously unsuspected underlying pulmonary disease. Treatment requires appropriate antimicrobial therapy and close surveillance to prevent recurrence or complications.