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Proteus mirabilis spondylodiscitis complicating a urinary tract infection

Jeroen P P Smits1, Henny G Peltenburg, Esther A N M Mooi-Kokenberg

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Groene Hart Ziekenhuis, Gouda, The Netherlands. jeroen.smits@ghz.nl

Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|June 27, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Septic spondylodiscitis, an infection of the spine, can arise from urinary tract infections. This case highlights Proteus mirabilis causing spinal infection after urosepsis.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Orthopedics
  • Urology

Background:

  • Infectious spondylodiscitis involves infection of the intervertebral disc spaces and vertebrae.
  • Hematogenous spread is a common route for spinal infections, often originating from other sites like the urinary tract.

Observation:

  • This report details a rare case of septic spondylodiscitis.
  • The infection followed urosepsis, a serious bloodstream infection originating from a urinary tract infection.

Findings:

  • The causative microorganism identified was Proteus mirabilis.
  • Proteus mirabilis is a common cause of urinary tract infections but is infrequently implicated in spondylodiscitis.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering Proteus mirabilis in spinal infections, especially following urosepsis.
  • Further research may elucidate the specific mechanisms and risk factors for Proteus mirabilis spondylodiscitis.

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