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Salmonella empyema: a review
Southern Medical Journal
|March 1, 1977
Abstract:
A 35-year-old man developed salmonella pleural empyema during a three-month illness. Cultures of the empyema fluid yielded S enteritidis, serotype typhimurium. Cure was achieved by decortication and obliteration of the pleural empyema space, in combination with chloramphenicol therapy given parenterally. Review of the published reports revealed eight similar instances of salmonella empyema. Manifestations and treatment of this group are reviewed.
Insights
Salmonella pleural empyema is a rare but serious condition. This case highlights successful treatment through surgery and antibiotics, alongside a review of similar reported instances.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pleural empyema is a significant clinical challenge, often requiring aggressive management.
- Salmonella species, particularly Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium, are typically associated with gastrointestinal infections.
- Disseminated Salmonella infections can manifest in extrapulmonary sites, though pleural involvement is uncommon.
Observation:
- A 35-year-old male presented with a prolonged three-month illness culminating in salmonella pleural empyema.
- Cultures of the empyema fluid confirmed the presence of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium (S. enterica serotype Typhimurium).
Findings:
- The patient achieved a cure following surgical decortication and obliteration of the pleural space.
- Parenteral chloramphenicol therapy was administered as part of the treatment regimen.
- A review of existing literature identified eight previously reported cases of salmonella empyema, suggesting its rarity.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering Salmonella in the differential diagnosis of bacterial pleural empyema, even in the absence of typical gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Combined surgical intervention and appropriate antibiotic therapy, such as chloramphenicol, appear effective in managing this severe infection.
- Further investigation into the pathogenesis and optimal management strategies for Salmonella-induced pleural empyema is warranted.