A Diagnostic Conundrum: Tuberculosis or Salmonella Neck Abscess?

Abstract

Granulomatous neck abscesses are commonly associated with tuberculosis (TB). These chronic inflammatory reactions are rarely seen in Salmonella non-typhi (SN) infections. We report two cases of SN granuloma presenting as neck abscesses in poultry farmers. TB polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were negative. Histopathology reported necrotizing granulomatous inflammation. Salmonella species are known to cause true granulomas in bone marrow, liver, and spleen. To the best of our knowledge, true granulomas have not been described in cervical lymph nodes. The aim of this report was to highlight the importance of considering other causative microbiological agents in cases of granulomatous neck abscesses. The patients recovered after receiving treatment with surgical drainage and intravenous antibiotics.