Rare Cause of Septic Arthritis: Salmonella

Gram-positive pathogens, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, are more commonly isolated in septic arthritis cases. Compared to other Gram -negative pathogens, Salmonella spp. is a rarely encountered cause of septic arthritis. The aim of this study is to investigate the cases followed with the diagnosis of Salmonella septic arthritis at Ege University School of Medicine Hospital. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the clinical, laboratory, and treatment outcomes of patients with Salmonella enterica (S. enterica) growth in knee joint fluid cultures at Ege University Medical Faculty Hospital between April 2017 and April 2023. In four patients (one female, three males) [mean age 50.75 +/- 19.82 years, range 30-71 years] with a diagnosis of septic arthritis, Salmonella enterica spp. enterica was isolated. All four cases had a history of immunosuppressive drug use. They were successfully treated with surgical and medical interventions. Salmonella spp. commonly causes gastroenteritis. Bacteremia can occur, leading to localized infections. While Gram-positive pathogens are frequently isolated in septic arthritis, it should be considered that Gram-negative pathogens can also be responsible, and sampling from the joint fluid should be performed.