Salmonella appendicitis in renal transplantation

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Transplant Surgery
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Appendicitis is a common surgical emergency.
• Reports of appendicitis following renal transplantation are infrequent.
• Immunosuppression in transplant recipients may alter disease presentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of Salmonella appendicitis in a renal transplant recipient.
• To highlight the importance of considering unusual infections in immunocompromised patients.
• To discuss the management and outcome of appendicitis in this specific population.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 33-year-old male renal transplant recipient.
• Clinical evaluation including symptoms of diarrhea, fever, and epigastric pain.
• Diagnostic imaging (CT scan) and laboratory investigations (histology, blood cultures).
• Surgical management (appendectomy) and post-operative care.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with symptoms suggestive of appendicitis 7 years post-transplant.
• CT scan confirmed appendicitis.
• Post-operative histology and blood cultures identified Salmonella type b as the causative agent.
• The patient recovered well and was discharged 5 days after admission.

Conclusions:

• Salmonella appendicitis can occur in renal transplant recipients.
• Prompt diagnosis and surgical treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes.
• Immunocompromised status may predispose to atypical infections like Salmonella appendicitis.