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Burkholderia pickettii spondylitis
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.
Spinal Cord
|May 4, 2005
Summary
This case report details a rare instance of Burkholderia pickettii spondylitis in a healthy adult. Early diagnosis via biopsy and appropriate chemotherapy led to a complete cure, improving understanding of this organism.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Microbiology
Background:
- Burkholderia pickettii is typically found in aquatic environments and not considered a significant human pathogen.
- Spondylitis, an inflammation of the vertebrae, can have various causes, but bacterial infections are a critical consideration.
Observation:
- A 48-year-old woman presented with severe back pain and spinal imaging revealed osteolytic destruction of the T10 vertebral body.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated characteristic lesion patterns, and an open biopsy was performed for diagnosis.
Findings:
- The diagnosis of Burkholderia pickettii spondylitis was confirmed by direct identification of the microorganism from biopsy specimens.
- Histological examination supported the diagnosis, and the patient achieved a complete cure following a course of intravenous cefepime and oral minocycline.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for B. pickettii to cause aggressive infections, challenging previous assumptions about its pathogenicity.
- Early etiologic diagnosis through biopsy is crucial for effective treatment and preventing severe complications like spinal cord compression.
- Understanding the ecology and virulence of B. pickettii is essential for managing rare infectious diseases.