Superficial Salmonella abscesses in two siblings with sickle cell diseases

Salmonella infection in sickle cell disease patients is generally well-known but presentation as superficial abscess is relatively uncommon. Two sisters aged 4 1/2 and 6 years presented with superficial subcutaneous abscesses that were caused by the same strain of Salmonella enteriditis group C. Despite in vitro susceptibility with a MIC of 0.03 microgram/ml and an adequate dosage of ciprofloxacin there was a relapse with widespread dissemination of the same organism in the younger sister who subsequently developed multiple osteolytic infections. Change of treatment to chloramphenicol produced a cure in both patients.