Recurrent meningitis due to Salmonella arizonae in an adult with AIDS: case presentation and next-generation sequencing analysis

Background Invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, primarily affecting children, the elderly, and immunocompromised adults, particularly those living with HIV. Salmonella meningitis is rare, except in sub-Saharan Africa. Salmonella arizonae is associated with reptiles and exceptionally causes meningitis in humans. Case Summary We present the case of an adult man living with HIV who presented five episodes of bacterial meningitis due to S. arizonae within a period of 8 months. The patient improved after performing cholecystectomy and with optimization of antiretroviral treatment and prolonged antibiotic therapy. Genomic study confirmed that S. arizonae is sensitive to antibiotics. Conclusion This case illustrates a rare form of S. arizonae meningitis. The identity of the etiological agent was confirmed by next-generation sequencing analysis.