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Streptococcus pneumoniae spinal infection in Nottingham, United Kingdom: not a rare event

D P Turner1, V C Weston, P Ispahani

  • 1Department of Microbiology, University Hospital, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom.

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|May 29, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcus pneumoniae rarely causes spinal infections like vertebral osteomyelitis and epidural abscesses. This study highlights predisposing factors, clinical features, and outcomes of these rare pneumococcal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurosurgery
  • Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae commonly causes pneumonia and meningitis.
  • Spinal infections secondary to S. pneumoniae are rare.

Observation:

  • Eight cases of S. pneumoniae spinal infection (vertebral osteomyelitis, spinal epidural abscess) were identified between 1985-1997.
  • Predisposing factors included diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, and corticosteroid therapy.
  • Clinical presentation often involved prolonged symptoms and absence of fever.

Findings:

  • S. pneumoniae was isolated from blood in 5/8 patients.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging effectively localized the infection.
  • Mortality was significant, with 3/8 patients dying after prolonged illness.

Implications:

  • Increased awareness of S. pneumoniae as a cause of spinal infections is warranted.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for improving outcomes.
  • Further research into risk factors and treatment strategies for pneumococcal spinal infections is needed.

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