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Severe Actinomyces israelii infection involving the entire spinal cord

Shahin Gaïni1, Birgit Thorup Røge, Court Pedersen

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark. shahin.gaini@ouh.fyns-amt.dk

Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|February 28, 2006
PubMed

Insights

A severe spinal infection caused by Actinomyces israelii occurred in a 38-year-old male. Despite long-term antibiotic treatment, the patient experienced significant neurological deficits.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Spinal infections are serious conditions requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.
  • Actinomyces israelii is an uncommon cause of central nervous system infections.

Observation:

  • A 38-year-old male presented with symptoms of infection and neurological deficits.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging revealed extensive spinal cord involvement.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid cultures identified Actinomyces israelii.

Findings:

  • The patient received prolonged treatment with penicillin G and amoxicillin.
  • Recovery was achieved, but with severe neurological sequelae.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for Actinomyces israelii to cause severe spinal infections.
  • Aggressive antibiotic therapy is crucial, but neurological deficits may persist.
  • Further research into optimal treatment strategies for actinomycosis of the spine is warranted.

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