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[Acute multifocal osteomyelitis caused by haemolytic group B streptococci]

Hanne Pedersen1, Jørgen H Engberg, Peter S Oturai

  • 1Amtssygehuset i Roskilde, Geriatrisk Afdeling, Statens Serum Institut. hannepedersen@dadlnet.dk

Ugeskrift for Laeger
|February 16, 2006
PubMed

Insights

This case report details a severe group B Streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) osteomyelitis infection in a healthy older woman. The patient recovered fully after a 12-week course of penicillin treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Bacteriology
  • Clinical Case Study

Background:

  • Group B Streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) typically causes invasive infections in neonates or adults with chronic conditions.
  • Hematogenous osteomyelitis is a serious bone infection that can arise from bloodstream spread of bacteria.

Observation:

  • A previously healthy 68-year-old woman presented with fever of unknown origin and widespread pain.
  • Blood cultures confirmed invasive infection with Group B Streptococcus.
  • Technetium scan revealed multifocal osteomyelitis affecting the shoulder, sacroiliac joint, spine (Th-9, Th-12, L5), foot, jaw, and hands.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with severe, multifocal, hematogenous osteomyelitis caused by Group B Streptococcus.
  • The infection presented atypically in a healthy elderly individual without typical risk factors.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for Group B Streptococcus to cause severe invasive disease, including osteomyelitis, in previously healthy older adults.
  • Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy, such as penicillin G and V, are crucial for successful treatment outcomes.
  • Further research may be warranted to understand the epidemiology of Group B Streptococcus infections in non-pregnant, non-elderly populations.

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