Salmonella abscess. A potential nosocomial hazard.

Abscess formation by Salmonella species is an uncommon but significant manifestation of salmonellosis. These localized infections can serve as sources for hospital outbreaks. Appropriate isolation measures and management require early recognition. Three patients with Salmonella abscess were admitted to hospital with a diagnosis other than Salmonella infection. In two, admitted with diagnoses of cholelithiasis and acute appendicitis, respectively, postoperative Salmonella infections developed. A third was diagnosed as having traumatic epididymitis, but was found to have Salmonella orchitis. Appropriate antibiotic therapy was effective in two of the three instances; the other resolved spontaneously. There were no recognized nosocomial infections related to these patients, in spite of delayed diagnosis and treatment. Proper routine wound care plus handwashing after patient contact can minimize the spread of these organisms from unsuspected infections.