Extensively drug-resistant Salmonella typhi causing rib osteomyelitis: A case report

ABSTRACT

Rationale Salmonella (S.) typhi is a rare cause of osteomyelitis in immunocompetent adults. Extensive drug resistance (XDR) may lead to more complicated cases of S. typhi osteomyelitis. Patient concern A 55-year-old female presented with a persistent low-grade fever and a swelling on her lower left chest with a sinus discharging purulent fluid for the past 8 months. Her symptoms had been unresponsive to previous anti-microbial therapy. Diagnosis Rib osteomyelitis caused by XDR S. typhi. Interventions: Surgical wound debridement, left 7th-9th rib resection and intravenous IV meropenem were done. Outcome: Fever resolved and left-sided swelling resected without recurrence. Lessons The prevalence of XDR S. typhi is growing in South Asia and should be considered as the differential diagnosis of chronic osteomyelitis.