Salmonella infections of the Penis, testes, penis and Scrotal Contents: A Review and Update

Abstract

Salmonella infection of the penis, testis, or scrotal contents tends to be encountered on very rare occasions. Salmonella infection of the testis, penis or scrotal contents can affect neonates, children, or adults. The manifestation of this infection is non-specific which does simulate more common non-specific infections of the penis, testis, and scrotal contents. There may or may not be an antecedent history of diarrhoea or gastrointestinal Salmonella infection. Some of the presentations include: fever, pain, swelling of the penis/testis/scrotum, and there may be or may not be a history of lose stool/diarrhoea and at times there might be redness of the penis, scrotum as well as clinical evidence of tenderness, redness, or an abscess of the affected organ. In the case of an infected penile prosthesis, there could be extrusion of the penile prosthesis associated with a discharge. In cases of an associated Salmonella gastrointestinal infections stool culture could demonstrate salmonella species but quite often there tends to be no diarrhoea. Nevertheless, Widal test results would raised and indicate Salmonella infection. Urine culture and blood culture could also grow Salmonella. Culture of an extruded prosthesis may also grow Salmonella species. If there is an abscess culture of the abscess fluid would grow Salmonella species. Treatment of this infection does entail utilization of anti-Salmonella medicaments and analgesia and cases of abscess do require drainage of the abscess. In the case of an infected penile prosthesis does require removal of the prosthesis plus anti-Salmonella medicaments. When a diagnosis of Salmonella infection of the penis, testis, and scrotal content is confirmed treatment with anti-Salmonella medicament does tend to emanate in resolution of the infection.