Lumbosacral spinal epidural abscess caused by Brucella melitensis

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Neurology
• Orthopedics

Background:

• Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare condition with potentially severe outcomes if not treated promptly.
• Brucella melitensis is an uncommon cause of spondylodiscitis, a spinal infection.
• Spondylodiscitis can lead to complications such as spinal epidural abscess.

Observation:

• This report details a case of lumbosacral spinal epidural abscess.
• The causative agent identified in this case was Brucella melitensis.
• The patient presented with symptoms suggestive of a spinal infection.

Findings:

• Brucella melitensis was confirmed as the pathogen responsible for the spinal epidural abscess.
• The abscess was located in the lumbosacral region of the spine.
• This case illustrates a rare presentation of Brucella infection.

Implications:

• Spinal brucellosis must be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with low back pain, especially in endemic areas.
• Early recognition and appropriate antibiotic treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible complications from spinal epidural abscess.
• This case underscores the need for broad microbiological investigation in complex spinal infections.