A Renal Abscess Caused by Nontyphoid Salmonella in an Immunocompetent Adult

Renal abscesses are uncommon in adults and are typically caused by gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, or Staphylococcus aureus. Nontyphoid Salmonella abscesses are infrequent. We discuss the case of a 27-year-old previously healthy female who developed a renal abscess due to Salmonella enterica. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed a left renal abscess (size 11.6 cm × 8.2 cm) and 1.9 cm cyst in the right kidney. The urine and abscess aspirate cultures indicated the presence of gram-negative bacilli and lactose-negative Salmonella. A presumptive diagnosis of the left renal abscess was made. A urologist was consulted, and the patient was prepared for a left-sided nephrectomy. The patient's condition improved following treatment with a combination of piperacillin/tazobactam and moxifloxacin. Based on our experience, prompt recognition of nontyphoidal Salmonella as a potential cause of a renal abscess is important to prevent complications such as the extension of the abscess and the spread of the pathogen to adjacent structures.