Salmonella bacteremia associated with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

Six cases of bacteremia due to serotypes of Salmonella enteritidis are described in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In four instances the bacteremia was recurrent despite appropriate antimicrobial treatment. Neither a gastrointestinal tract source nor any other focus of infection could be identified in four of the six patients. In one patient an unusual Salmonella infection, ie, pyelonephritis, was noted. The discovery of Salmonella sepsis led in four cases to the initial diagnostic consideration of AIDS, which was ultimately confirmed. When unexplained Salmonella bacteremia occurs in populations known to be at high risk for the development of AIDS, a thorough evaluation for this disorder should be undertaken.