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Pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis caused by Prevotella intermedia.
Mami Fukuoka1, Katsuhiro Aita, Yosuke Aoki
1Department of Medicine, Saga Medical School, Nabeshima, Saga 849-8501, Japan. fukuoka@post.saga-med.ac.jp
Summary
Prevotella intermedia, an unusual bacterium, caused vertebral osteomyelitis in a patient. Successful treatment involved antibiotics, highlighting the role of anaerobic bacteria in this bone infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Vertebral osteomyelitis is typically caused by aerobic bacteria.
- Anaerobic bacterial infections of the spine are rare but can be severe.
Observation:
- A case of vertebral osteomyelitis was identified.
- The causative agent was identified as Prevotella intermedia through vertebral biopsies.
Findings:
- Prevotella intermedia is an extremely uncommon pathogen for vertebral osteomyelitis.
- The patient achieved successful recovery with intravenous ampicillin-sulbactam and clindamycin therapy.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering anaerobic bacteria in the differential diagnosis of vertebral osteomyelitis.
- Effective antibiotic strategies are crucial for managing rare vertebral infections.