Recurrent Salmonella typhimurium Bacteremia Associated with the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Abstract

Seven Haitian and 1 White patient with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and S. typhimurium bacteremia were identified over a 28 mo. period. In 3 patients bacteremia developed concurrently with an opportunistic infection associated with AIDS. The remaining 5 patients had their initial episodes of bacteremia 3-11 mo. before the diagnosis of AIDS. These 5 patients had signs suggestive of the syndrome, plus evidence of disordered cellular immune function (lymphopenia, anergy, decreased T-helper cells, decreased proliferative responses and a deficiency in mononuclear-cell .alpha. interferon production). S. typhimurium bacteremia in the appropriate clinical setting may be an opportunistic pathogen associated with AIDS.