Epididymo-orchitis: an unusual manifestation of salmonellosis

Abstract

Salmonellosis continues to be a major public health problem, especially in developing countries. The formation of focal abscesses may occur following either hematogenous or lymphatic spread. There are large number of serious and life-threatening clinical manifestations of Salmonella spp., ranging from osteomyelitis to infective endocarditis and meningitis. However, even though Salmonella epidydimo-orchitis is a relatively rare clinical manifestion, it can present, most often in male babies and adolescent boys, following contact with nontyphoidal Salmonella. Here, we report a case of epididymo-orchitis due to Salmonella Paratyphi A that presented in an otherwise healthy 63-year-old man in order to highlight this organism's unusual clinical presentation. In countries such as India, where Salmonella infections are endemic, a high index of suspicion should be always be maintained and the possibility of a Salmonella infection at an aberrant site where it is hardly expected should not be ruled out.