Recurrent intraabdominal abscess caused by Salmonella paratyphi C

We describe a patient who suffered from recurrent intraabdominal abscesses. The last two of the three abscesses were certainly caused by Salmonella paratyphi C. The time interval between the first and the second abscess was 25 years, and that between the second and the third abscess was 20 years. Single infection with this microorganism is very rare in Israel, with only four known cases in the last 20 years. The annual frequency in the United States is 0 to 2 cases per year. In recent years, this infection has also been very rare in other parts of the world. Our case is unique as it recurred two or three times. The infection was probably dormant for a very long time. During the dormant years, the patient was clinically healthy. To our knowledge a recurrent infection with this microorganism has not previously been reported in the literature.