Salmonella Typhi sternoclavicular abscess with osteomyelitis—a rare case report

Salmonella Typhi osteomyelitis is a rare occurrence as compared to enteric fever and diarrhoea which are common manifestations caused by this microorganism. In reported cases of Salmonella osteomyelitis, commonly involved sites are long bones like the femur and humerus. Uncommon reports of Salmonella osteomyelitis from sites such as radius, ulna, tibia and vertebrae have also emerged. Extremely rare incidences of the same have been reported from the clavicle, skull and small bones of hands. Osteomyelitis could be bacterial or non-bacterial, and among bacterial osteomyelitis, Salmonella Typhi is a very rare entity. We present a case of Salmonella osteomyelitis and discuss the importance of microbiological diagnosis of osteomyelitis in diagnosing unusual pathogens from unusual sites. This case report is unique due to its site and difference in clinical presentation. The difference in presentation in an elderly immunocompetent male with no major comorbidities was different from other reported cases. Our patient was successfully managed with surgical debridement followed by a series of vacuum dressings and intravenous antibiotics for 6 weeks.