Paratyphoid fever presenting with renal failure and nephrotic syndrome.

A previously healthy 39-year-old woman had a short, febrile illness that culminated in severe, acute renal failure in association with features of the nephrotic syndrome. Salmonella paratyphi B was isolated from her blood and stool. Treatment with chloramphenicol, dialysis, heparin and steroids was followed by gradual but complete recovery. Paratyphoid is usually more benign than typhoid fever, but is not without danger and may be complicated by potentially fatal renal disease.