An Extremely Rare Case of Upper Thoracic Salmonella Infection

Abstract

Background

Vertebral osteomyelitis is rare. Finding the right etiological agent is important to administer antibiotic regimen accordingly. The occurrence of this disease in endemic countries raises the susceptibility of a more common infection such as tuberculosis and pyogenic bacteria. Salmonella spp. infection is also common in endemic countries; however, extra-intestinal manifestation is very rare.

Methods

We present an extremely rare case of salmonella vertebral osteomyelitis (SVO) in the upper thoracic vertebrae of a 64-year-old patient with history of cardiac surgery and other pre-existing comorbidities. SVO was treated by antibiotics, surgical debridement and spinal stabilization.

Results

Three weeks after surgery and intravenous antibiotics, the patient recovered and was discharged without fever and back pain, with excellent motoric improvement.

Conclusion

Salmonella infection must be considered to be one of possible etiological agents in patients with suggestive spondylitis in emerging countries, especially in those with comorbidities.

Keywords:

• osteomyelitis
• spondylitis
• thoracic spine
• salmonella

Disclaimer

No patient or author details are included in the figures.

Ethical Approval

None. Because this paper is reporting a case which is consisted only one patient and not considered as human research. Thus, it does not typically require IRB review and approval.

Consent for Publication

The patient provided informed consent for the case details and accompanying images to be published.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed to data analysis, drafting or revising the article, have agreed on the journal to which the article will be submitted, gave final approval of the version to be published, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.