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Updated: May 10, 2026

Characterizing Salmonella Typhimurium-induced Septic Peritonitis in Mice
Published on: July 29, 2022
[Intestinal perforation caused by Salmonella typhimurium]
Timme M A J van Vuuren1, Johannes A Wegdam, Marjolijn C A Wegdam-Blans
1Elkerliek ziekenhuis, afd. Heelkunde, Helmond, the Netherlands. tvanvuuren@elkerliek.nl
Background:
In most patients, infection with a non-typhoid Salmonella species usually results in self-limiting gastroenteritis. Severe complications such as bacteraemia and extra-abdominal infections are most often attributed to typhoid subspecies like S. typhi and S. paratyphi. In this article, we present the case of a healthy patient with non-typhoid salmonellosis who nevertheless developed severe complications.
Case Description:
A 63-year-old man with an unremarkable medical history presented at the emergency department with abdominal complaints suggestive of gastroenteritis. Cultures of faeces and blood yielded S. typhimurium. The infection was complicated by many intra-abdominal abscesses, abdominal sepsis and an intestinal perforation requiring multiple interventions. The patient has been symptom-free for half a year now.
Conclusion:
Severe complications related to infection with non-typhoid S. typhimurium are rare. The incidence of salmonellosis has risen over the past few years, however; the risk of severe complications has therefore also increased.
Insights
Severe complications from non-typhoid Salmonella typhimurium are rare but increasing. This case highlights the potential for serious outcomes even in healthy individuals, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Non-typhoid Salmonella infections typically cause self-limiting gastroenteritis.
- Severe complications like bacteremia are usually linked to typhoid Salmonella subspecies (S. typhi, S. paratyphi).
- This article details a rare case of severe complications from non-typhoid Salmonella.
Observation:
- A 63-year-old man presented with gastroenteritis-like symptoms.
- Blood and stool cultures identified Salmonella typhimurium infection.
- The patient developed intra-abdominal abscesses, abdominal sepsis, and intestinal perforation.
Findings:
- Salmonella typhimurium caused severe intra-abdominal complications in a healthy individual.
- The patient required multiple surgical interventions.
- Recovery was achieved, with the patient symptom-free for six months.
Implications:
- Severe complications from non-typhoid Salmonella typhimurium are uncommon but possible.
- Rising incidence of salmonellosis may increase the risk of severe outcomes.
- Clinicians should consider severe complications in non-typhoid salmonellosis cases.
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Bacterial Gastroenteritis
Reservoir of Infection
Appendicitis

