Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026
06:23
Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
Published on: May 23, 2021
[Pasteurella dagmatis spondylodiscitis in a diabetic patient]
O Dupuy1, E Garrabé, L Bordier
1Service d'endocrinologie, HIA Bégin, 69, avenue de Paris, 94160 Saint-Mandé, France. olivier-dupuy2@wanadoo.fr
La Revue De Medecine Interne
|September 19, 2006
Summary
A dog lick led to a rare spinal infection (dorsal spondylodiscitis) in a diabetic patient. This highlights the risk of pet-to-human transmission of bacteria, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Pet ownership is common, but potential health risks associated with animal contact are not always fully recognized.
- Certain medical conditions can increase an individual's susceptibility to infections from animal-associated pathogens.
Observation:
- A case of dorsal spondylodiscitis is presented in a diabetic patient with a chronic toe wound.
- The patient had a history of alcohol and tobacco use.
- The patient's dog was observed to lick his injured toe.
Findings:
- Infection of the intervertebral disc was diagnosed.
- Blood cultures and disc biopsy identified Pasteurella dagmatis.
- Pasteurella dagmatis is a bacterium commonly found in the oropharynx of domestic dogs and cats.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential route of Pasteurella dagmatis transmission from a domestic animal to a human through an open wound.
- Individuals with diabetes mellitus or other immunocompromising conditions should exercise caution regarding close contact with pets, particularly concerning wound care.
- Further awareness and potentially modified behaviors are warranted for immunocompromised individuals interacting with domestic animals to prevent rare but severe zoonotic infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition in which intervertebral discs gradually lose structure and function. It is not infectious or autoimmune; rather, it results from age-related biochemical and mechanical changes, influenced by genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.Structure and Function of DiscsThe spine contains 23 intervertebral discs that absorb load, distribute forces, maintain spacing, and allow flexibility. Each disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a gel-like core...
01:23Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology
The symptoms of degenerative disc disease arise from a combination of mechanical compression, vascular compromise, and biochemical inflammation, which together disrupt nerve function and produce pain.Mechanical CompressionDisc degeneration reduces height and elasticity, predisposing to herniation of the nucleus pulposus, a major cause of radicular pain. Herniations may be protrusion (bulging with intact annulus), extrusion (nucleus extends beyond disc but remains connected), or sequestration...
01:31Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Definition A diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a chronic, non-healing wound that develops in individuals with diabetes. It typically occurs on pressure-bearing areas such as the heel, metatarsal heads, or hallux, and carries a high risk of infection and amputation.Pathophysiology • The development of DFUs can be explained by four interconnected mechanisms: neuropathy, ischemia, infection, and impaired wound healing. • Neuropathy is the most common factor. Sensory neuropathy reduces pain perception,...
01:26Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...