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Chronic Salmonella Infection Induced Intestinal Fibrosis
Published on: September 22, 2019
An Extremely Rare Case of Upper Thoracic Salmonella Infection
Didik Librianto1,2, Suhendro Suwarto3, Darma Imran4
1Department of Orthopedic and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Background:
Vertebral osteomyelitis is rare. Finding the right etiological agent is important to administer antibiotic regimen accordingly. The occurrence of this disease in endemic countries raises the susceptibility of a more common infection such as tuberculosis and pyogenic bacteria. Salmonella spp. infection is also common in endemic countries; however, extra-intestinal manifestation is very rare.
Methods:
We present an extremely rare case of salmonella vertebral osteomyelitis (SVO) in the upper thoracic vertebrae of a 64-year-old patient with history of cardiac surgery and other pre-existing comorbidities. SVO was treated by antibiotics, surgical debridement and spinal stabilization.
Results:
Three weeks after surgery and intravenous antibiotics, the patient recovered and was discharged without fever and back pain, with excellent motoric improvement.
Conclusion:
Salmonella infection must be considered to be one of possible etiological agents in patients with suggestive spondylitis in emerging countries, especially in those with comorbidities.
Insights
Salmonella vertebral osteomyelitis (SVO) is a rare condition, even in endemic areas. This case highlights the importance of considering Salmonella as a cause of spondylitis in patients with comorbidities.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Spinal Surgery
- Microbiology
Background:
- Vertebral osteomyelitis is uncommon, necessitating accurate etiological diagnosis for effective antibiotic therapy.
- Endemic regions face higher risks of tuberculosis and pyogenic bacterial infections causing vertebral osteomyelitis.
- While Salmonella spp. infections are prevalent in endemic countries, extra-intestinal manifestations like vertebral osteomyelitis are exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old patient with a history of cardiac surgery and comorbidities presented with a rare case of Salmonella vertebral osteomyelitis (SVO).
- The infection localized to the upper thoracic vertebrae.
Findings:
- The patient underwent surgical debridement, spinal stabilization, and intravenous antibiotic treatment.
- Significant recovery was observed, with the patient discharged after three weeks, free of fever and back pain, and showing excellent motor function improvement.
Implications:
- Salmonella infection should be considered a potential etiological agent in patients presenting with spondylitis symptoms in emerging countries.
- This is particularly relevant for patients with pre-existing comorbidities, who may be more susceptible to rare extra-intestinal Salmonella manifestations.
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