Salmonella septic arthritis in a patient receiving etanercept: Case report and review of the literature

Antitumor necrosis factor alpha agents are known to increase the risk for severe and atypical infections. Numerous atypical organisms have been reported previously, however, there is a paucity of reports of Salmonella as a complication of these therapies. We report a case of a 69-year-old female who developed Salmonella septic arthritis of the pubic symphysis while taking etanercept that resolved with cessation of etanercept and antibiotic treatment and we review the literature regarding this complication. Awareness of susceptibility to Gram-negative intracellular organisms and reactivation of dormant infections due to the mechanism of action of antitumor necrosis factor alpha medications is vital.