[Pubic osteitis caused by Salmonella indiana. Apropos of a case]

Abstract

Introduction: The authors report the case of a pubic osteomyelitis caused by a salmonella indiana bacterium in a 12 year old child.

Clinical case: A post traumatic left side pubic pain in a 12 year old child was associated to feverish and inflammatory syndrome, without any predisposing factor. Salmonella Indiana bacterium was found in fecal samples. Radiographs showed an asymetry of the iliopubic branches and an irregularity of the upper left border of the pubic branch. Bone scan showed a public hyperfixation and CT revealed a left-sided pubic osteolysis. The bacteriological examination of the osseous biopsy confirmed the presence of Salmonella Indiana bacterium. Recovery was obtained within 5 months with intravenous antibiotherapy.

Discussion: Since 1987, an increase of minor salmonella infections and particularly of Salmonella Indiana bacterium can be observed in metropolitan France (250 isolated in 1991). This increase is not experienced in Martinique. The contamination mode is yet unknown and the osseous localization is secondary to bacteriema. The patient had no predisposition excepted a chronic digestive carrier. This localization is unfrequent in children. The diagnostic has been achieved by bacteriological samples and osseous biopsy. The treatment based was on third generation cephalosporins and on quinolones.