Splenic abscess due to Salmonella schwarzengrund in a previously healthy individual returning from Bali

After an episode of diarrhoea, a previously healthy young man developed a splenic abscess due to invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella. The patient was presented with >1 month of fever, diffuse abdominal pain, raised C reactive protein and increased white cell count. Ultrasonography revealed a 5 × 5 cm abscess in the spleen. After an unsuccessful treatment attempt with percutaneous drainage and antibiotics, the patient was successfully treated with splenectomy and antibiotics. This case highlights the difficulties inherent in making a correct diagnosis of splenic abscess in patients without risk factors. Splenic abscess is rare in previously healthy individuals. Antibiotics are inadequate as a sole treatment, and percutaneous drainage is usually only a temporary solution. Splenectomy is still the standard treatment in most cases.