Vertebral osteomyelitis and prosthetic joint infection due to Staphylococcus simulans

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R R Razonable1, D G Lewallen, R Patel

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn 55905, USA.

Mayo Clinic Proceedings
|October 19, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Staphylococcus simulans, an animal pathogen, rarely infects humans. This case highlights its potential virulence in a farmer with vertebral osteomyelitis and prosthetic joint infection.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Clinical Case Study

Background:

  • Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are typically opportunistic pathogens.
  • Staphylococcus simulans is a known animal pathogen with infrequent human infections.
  • Vertebral osteomyelitis and prosthetic joint infections are serious conditions often caused by staphylococci.

Observation:

  • A 70-year-old male farmer with extensive animal contact presented with multifocal vertebral osteomyelitis.
  • The patient subsequently developed a late prosthetic joint infection.
  • Both infections were culture-confirmed to be caused by Staphylococcus simulans.

Findings:

  • This case demonstrates Staphylococcus simulans causing severe, deep-seated human infections.
  • The patient's history of dairy farming and consumption of unpasteurized milk suggests a potential zoonotic transmission route.
  • Literature review indicates Staphylococcus simulans may possess greater virulence than other CoNS species.

Implications:

  • Accurate identification of Staphylococcus simulans is crucial for appropriate patient management.
  • Further research is needed to understand the pathogenic potential and transmission of Staphylococcus simulans in humans.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering animal-associated pathogens in human infections, especially in individuals with relevant exposures.

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