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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
Summary
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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