Salmonella Weltevreden lung abscess and empyema without preceding gastrointestinal symptoms. An emerging pathogen in Australia?

Abstract

Non-typhoidal Salmonella lung infections are rare and are usually confined to immunocompromised hosts. Previous case reports have found that usually patients have either gastroenteritis or bacteraemia in addition to pulmonary involvement. We present the first known reported case of a Salmonella Weltevreden lung abscess and empyema in an immunocompetent patient without gastroenteritis. Despite use of antimicrobials active against the pathogen, the patient needed surgical intervention to achieve adequate source control. Whilst S. Weltevreden has previously been associated with returned travellers, especially from South-East Asia, its incidence in Queensland is now increasing. Therefore, it is important for clinicians to be aware of its potential severity as well as range of presentations.