Related Experiment Videos
Nontyphoidal salmonella intracranial infections in HIV-infected patients
L Aliaga1, J D Mediavilla, A López de la Osa
1Service of Microbiology, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain.
Abstract:
Salmonella focal intracranial infections are unusual in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Six such infections have been reported in the world literature. We report a case of salmonella subdural and epidural cerebral empyema with concomitant osteomyelitis of the frontal bone. Such a complication in the course of salmonellosis is reported for the first time. In previously published case reports, four patients had brain abscess and two had subdural empyema. Salmonella typhimurium was isolated from two patients, and different serotypes were recovered from the others. All patients had advanced HIV disease, and all but two had had opportunistic infections before the diagnosis of salmonella intracranial infection. Surgical drainage combined with systemic antibiotic therapy resulted in the recovery of four of five patients. No regression of the lesions occurred in one patient treated only with antibiotics for multiple cerebral abscesses.
Insights
Salmonella infections in the brain are rare in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This case highlights a unique complication of Salmonella subdural and epidural cerebral empyema with frontal bone osteomyelitis in an HIV-infected patient.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Salmonella focal intracranial infections are rare, particularly in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals.
- Only six cases have been documented globally, underscoring the unusual nature of these infections.
Observation:
- This report details a novel case of Salmonella subdural and epidural cerebral empyema co-occurring with frontal bone osteomyelitis.
- This specific combination of complications in salmonellosis has not been previously described in medical literature.
Findings:
- Previously reported Salmonella intracranial infections included brain abscesses and subdural empyemas.
- Salmonella typhimurium and other serotypes were identified in patients with advanced HIV and prior opportunistic infections.
- Surgical intervention alongside antibiotics led to recovery in most patients, whereas antibiotic-only treatment was less effective.
Implications:
- This case expands the known spectrum of Salmonella-related intracranial complications in advanced HIV disease.
- Early diagnosis and combined surgical and antibiotic treatment appear crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Further research is warranted to understand the pathogenesis and optimize management strategies for these rare infections.