Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Characterizing Salmonella Typhimurium-induced Septic Peritonitis in Mice
14:10

Characterizing Salmonella Typhimurium-induced Septic Peritonitis in Mice

Published on: July 29, 2022

Chronic subdural empyema and cranial vault osteomyelitis due to Salmonella paratyphi A

P Bhooshan1, S Shivaprakasha, K R Dinesh

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Kochi, Kerala 682 026, India.

Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology
|January 12, 2010
PubMed

Insights

This case report details a rare intracranial infection, subdural empyema, caused by Salmonella Paratyphi A. The patient recovered after surgical treatment and antibiotics.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurosurgery
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Intracranial infections are uncommon, with subdural empyema being a rare manifestation.
  • Salmonella species, particularly Salmonella Paratyphi A, are infrequently implicated in causing subdural empyema.
  • Previous literature documents only one prior case of subdural empyema attributed to Salmonella Paratyphi A.

Observation:

  • A 42-year-old male presented with headache and purulent discharge from a burr hole wound site.
  • The patient had a history of head trauma two years prior, followed by surgical intervention for a chronic subdural hematoma.
  • Clinical examination revealed signs suggestive of a secondary infection at the surgical site.

Findings:

  • Cultures from the purulent discharge and surgical site confirmed the presence of Salmonella Paratyphi A.
  • The patient was diagnosed with subdural empyema and concurrent osteomyelitis of the cranial vault.
  • Microbiological analysis identified Salmonella Paratyphi A as the causative agent.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for Salmonella Paratyphi A to cause severe intracranial infections, including subdural empyema and osteomyelitis.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy combined with surgical intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes.
  • The findings underscore the importance of considering unusual pathogens in the differential diagnosis of intracranial infections, especially in patients with a history of trauma or neurosurgery.

More Related Videos

Chronic Salmonella Infection Induced Intestinal Fibrosis08:40

Chronic Salmonella Infection Induced Intestinal Fibrosis

Published on: September 22, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Reservoir of Infection01:30

Reservoir of Infection

Infectious diseases arise from intricate interactions between pathogens and their reservoirs. A reservoir of infection refers to the natural habitat where a pathogen lives, grows, and multiplies, serving as a continual source of infection. Reservoirs are broadly classified as either living or nonliving, and each plays a unique role in disease transmission, significantly influencing public health interventions and control strategies.Humans act as reservoirs for a wide array of pathogens,...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...