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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
Characterizing Salmonella Typhimurium-induced Septic Peritonitis in Mice
Published on: July 29, 2022
[Salmonella typhimurium aortitis]
Ana Paiva Nunes1, Raquel Marques, Célia Machado
1Serviço de Medicina 2 e de Angiologia e Cirurgia Vascular do Hospital Pulido Valente EPE, Lisboa, Portugal.
Abstract:
Salmonella tiphymurium infection frequently causes gastroenteritis but some cases have a predilection for damaged blood vessels, especially those affected by atherosclerosis. The abdominal aorta is the most frequent location. Salmonella aortitis with mycotic aneurysm formation is a rare but serious condition, due to the high risk of rupture. We report the clinical case of a 61 year old man with a history of diabetes and hypertension, who was previously admitted with Salmonella gastroenteritis for which he had been treated with proper antibiotics. He was readmitted with fever, nausea and low back pain. Salmonella thyphimurium was isolated in blood cultures. The investigation revealed a pseudoaneurysm formation on the abdominal aorta. He was submitted to surgical vascular grafting with aneurysm resection and antibiotic therapy before and after surgery, with excellent clinical outcome. Bacteremia due to Salmonella Typhymurium must always raise the suspicion of focalization, especially a vascular infection. Particular attention should be given to predisposing factors, such as pre-existent atherosclerosis and age. The advised treatment of mycotic aneurysm due to a Salmonella agent must be a combined medical and surgical therapy.
Insights
Salmonella Typhimurium can cause serious vascular infections like aortic aneurysms, particularly in older individuals with atherosclerosis. Prompt combined medical and surgical treatment is crucial for a successful outcome in these rare cases.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Salmonella Typhimurium typically causes gastroenteritis.
- In some cases, Salmonella can infect damaged blood vessels, a condition known as Salmonella aortitis.
- Mycotic aneurysms, particularly in the abdominal aorta, are rare but life-threatening complications of Salmonella infection.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old male with diabetes and hypertension presented with recurrent Salmonella Typhimurium infection.
- The patient developed a pseudoaneurysm of the abdominal aorta following initial Salmonella gastroenteritis.
- Blood cultures confirmed Salmonella Typhimurium bacteremia, indicating a systemic infection with vascular focalization.
Findings:
- The case highlights Salmonella Typhimurium's potential to cause mycotic aneurysms in the abdominal aorta.
- Predisposing factors such as atherosclerosis and advanced age increase the risk of such vascular complications.
- Successful treatment involved surgical resection of the pseudoaneurysm, vascular grafting, and comprehensive antibiotic therapy.
Implications:
- Bacteremia from Salmonella Typhimurium warrants suspicion for deep-seated infections, especially in the vasculature.
- Early recognition and aggressive management, combining surgical intervention with prolonged antibiotics, are essential for treating Salmonella-induced mycotic aneurysms.
- This case underscores the importance of considering vascular complications in patients with Salmonella bacteremia and risk factors like atherosclerosis.
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