Pediatr Infect Vaccine.  2021 Dec;28(3):160-167. 10.14776/piv.2021.28.e15.

Pyogenic Spondylitis Caused by Nontyphoidal Salmonella in an Immunocompetent Child

• Baek JY
• Shin J
• Lim S
• Kang JM
• Ahn JG

• KMID: 2549064
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14776/piv.2021.28.e15

Abstract

Pyogenic spondylitis, an extremely rare complication of nontyphoidal Salmonella infection in immunocompetent children, occurs more commonly in patients with hemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell disease or in immunocompromised patients. In this study, we report a case of pyogenic spondylitis in a previously healthy 13-year-old immunocompetent adolescent, who presented with prolonged fever and right upper quadrant pain. Stool culture results comfirmed nontyphoidal Salmonella infection, and the patient was diagnosed with pyogenic spondylitis caused by nontyphoidal Salmonella based on additional imaging studies performed for evaluation of the patient's prolonged fever. This case highlights the importance of culture studies for evaluation of patients with fever of unknown origin and also the importance of detailed investigations for early detection of complications of extra-intestinal infections in patients with an unusual clinical course of salmonellosis.

Keyword

Salmonella infections; Spondylitis; Osteomyelitis; Child