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Multifocal Salmonella splenic abscess in a HIV-infected patient

J R Torres1, J Rodriguez Casas, E Balda

  • 1Hospital Universitario de Caracas, Universidad Central de Venezuela.

Tropical and Geographical Medicine
|January 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

This report details a rare spleen abscess in an HIV-infected patient with Salmonella bacteremia. Prompt splenectomy and antibiotics were crucial for recovery, highlighting a unique complication in immunocompromised individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Salmonella bacteremia can lead to severe complications, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Splenic abscesses are uncommon but serious manifestations of systemic infections.
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection predisposes patients to opportunistic infections.

Observation:

  • A case of spleen abscess complicating Salmonella bacteremia in an HIV-infected patient is presented.
  • The patient had a history of chronic pancreatitis and a pancreatic pseudocyst, potentially predisposing factors.
  • The infection manifested before other Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) criteria were apparent.

Findings:

  • Salmonella enteritidis was identified as the causative agent, cultured from suppurated lesions within the spleen.
  • Surgical intervention (splenectomy) combined with antibiotic therapy was necessary for successful treatment.
  • This represents the first reported case of spleen abscess complicating Salmonella bacteremia in an HIV-infected patient.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering unusual presentations of Salmonella infections in HIV-positive individuals.
  • Early recognition and aggressive management, including splenectomy, are vital for favorable outcomes.
  • Pancreatic complications should be evaluated in patients with Salmonella bacteremia and HIV, especially if splenic involvement is suspected.

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