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Concurrent systemic lupus erythematosus and salmonellosis
The Journal of Rheumatology
|July 1, 1981
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are susceptible to salmonellosis, a bacterial infection. Delayed diagnosis of salmonella infection in SLE patients can occur due to overlapping symptoms with active lupus flares.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by immune system dysregulation.
- Patients with SLE often experience impaired immune function, increasing susceptibility to infections.
Observation:
- Four patients with SLE were diagnosed with salmonellosis.
- Three patients were on prednisolone, and three had nephritis, indicating active disease.
- Two patients exhibited hyposplenism during their salmonella infection.
Findings:
- Salmonellosis symptoms mimic active SLE, leading to diagnostic delays.
- In three patients, salmonella infection localized to areas of SLE involvement.
- All four patients had concurrent bacterial infections.
Implications:
- Impaired mononuclear phagocytic system function may predispose SLE patients to intracellular bacterial infections like salmonella.
- Early recognition of salmonellosis is crucial in SLE patients presenting with lupus-like symptoms.
- This highlights the importance of considering opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients.