SalmonellaTyphi dorsolumbar spondylodiscitis mimicking tuberculosis – An interesting case report

Abstract

<jats:sec id="st1"> <jats:title>Background: </jats:title> <jats:p><jats:italic>Salmonella</jats:italic> rarely causes spinal infections in patients other than those who are immunocompromised or have sickle cell anemia. Further, most cases occurring in healthy individuals have preexisting gastrointestinal infections. Here, we present a case of pyogenic spondylodiscitis attributed to <jats:italic>Salmonella</jats:italic> Typhi, in an immunologically normal patient without gastrointestinal pathology.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec id="st2"> <jats:title>Case Description: </jats:title> <jats:p>A 58-year-old diabetic female complained of lower back pain and malaise. The workup for spinal tuberculosis was negative, but her MRI revealed findings consistent with pyogenic spondylodiscitis (e.g., destruction and instability) for which she required posterior spinal surgery. The organism proved to be <jats:italic>S</jats:italic>. Typhi; she was treated for 2 months and followed-up for 2 years.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec id="st3"> <jats:title>Conclusion: </jats:title> <jats:p><jats:italic>Salmonella</jats:italic> spondylodiscitis should be considered among the differential diagnoses for patients with features of infective spondylodiscitis. Culture-specific antibiotics are the cornerstone of treatment, along with appropriate and timely surgery.</jats:p> </jats:sec>