Fatal Colonic Perforation Secondary to Non-typhoidal Salmonella Infection in an Immunocompetent Elderly Patient

Salmonella is one of the leading foodborne pathogens worldwide. Their serotypes can be classified into typhoidal, which are known to cause enteric fever, and non-typhoidal, commonly known to cause gastroenteritis or food poisoning. Salmonella gastroenteritis is typically self-limiting, and most patients recover within a few days to a week without treatment. Intestinal perforation is an exceptionally rare and fatal complication. Here, we report a case of Salmonella gastroenteritis complicated by colonic perforation. Postoperatively, the patient succumbed due to multiorgan failure and intra-abdominal sepsis. This case highlights that even non-typhoidal Salmonella infection in an immunocompetent host may lead to catastrophic complications. Early recognition of clinical deterioration and timely surgical intervention are crucial to improve outcomes.