Salmonella enteritidis infection in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract Salmonella enteritidis infection (SEI) is rare in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, and it is often mistaken with SLE flares. SEI in SLE patients has been associated with a poor outcome. A description is presented of the clinical features and outcomes of five patients with an SEI from a cohort of 325 patients with SLE (1.53%). All patients were women, with a mean age of 28.2 years (14 to 37 years). Mean duration of SLE before clinical SEI was 3.2 years (1 to 7 years). There was no evidence of recurrent infection. The patients were treated with ciprofloxacin and/or ceftriaxone, with resolution of clinical manifestations in four of them. One patient died due to multisystem organ failure . Our report highlights the unspecific clinical manifestations of SEI that resembles lupus flare-up. An accurate diagnosis and early antibiotic treatment are essential to improve their outcomes.