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Salmonella gas-forming pyomyositis in an immunocompetent patient: a case report and review
1Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Kosin University, Busan, Korea.
Abstract:
The primary etiology of pyomyositis is predominantly Staphylococcus aureus, although Gram-negative bacteria may also be involved on rare occasions. The prognosis for pyomyositis caused by Gram-negative bacteria is more unfavorable than that of infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Among Gram-negative bacteria, members of the Enterobacteriaceae family, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, and Salmonella species, have the capacity to produce gas. Gas-forming myositis is a rare phenomenon that primarily affects immunocompromised patients and is associated with a poor prognosis. To the best of our knowledge, no previous reports of gas-forming pyomyositis in an immunocompetent patient exist. We herein present the first documented case of Salmonella-induced gas-forming pyomyositis of the iliacus muscle in a healthy young man with no underlying diseases or comorbidities. Additionally, we reviewed cases of gas-forming pyomyositis in the literature and cases of pyomyositis caused by Gram-negative bacteria in immunocompetent patients.
Insights
This study reports the first case of gas-forming pyomyositis caused by Salmonella in an immunocompetent individual. This rare condition, typically seen in immunocompromised patients, highlights the need for broader diagnostic considerations in pyomyositis cases.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Musculoskeletal Infections
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pyomyositis is primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus, with Gram-negative bacteria posing a rarer but more severe threat.
- Gas-forming myositis is a rare complication associated with Gram-negative bacteria, predominantly affecting immunocompromised individuals and carrying a poor prognosis.
- Existing literature lacks documented cases of gas-forming pyomyositis in immunocompetent patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the first documented case of Salmonella-induced gas-forming pyomyositis in an immunocompetent patient.
- To review existing literature on gas-forming pyomyositis and pyomyositis caused by Gram-negative bacteria in immunocompetent individuals.
Main Methods:
- Case report detailing a healthy young man with Salmonella-induced gas-forming pyomyositis of the iliacus muscle.
- Comprehensive literature review of gas-forming pyomyositis and Gram-negative bacterial pyomyositis in immunocompetent patients.
Main Results:
- The study successfully documents the first instance of gas-forming pyomyositis caused by Salmonella in an immunocompetent host.
- The patient, a healthy young male, presented with iliacus muscle involvement without predisposing conditions.
- Literature review identified a significant gap in understanding gas-forming pyomyositis within the immunocompetent population.
Conclusions:
- Salmonella can cause gas-forming pyomyositis even in immunocompetent individuals, challenging previous assumptions.
- This case underscores the importance of considering a broader range of pathogens and presentations in pyomyositis, regardless of immune status.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and risk factors for gas-forming pyomyositis in immunocompetent patients.

