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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
06:23
Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
Published on: May 23, 2021
Spondylodiscitis caused by Mycobacterium xenopi
R Sobottke1, K Zarghooni, H Seifert
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. sobottke@gmx.de
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery
|January 15, 2008
Summary
Non-tuberculous mycobacterium infections, like Mycobacterium xenopi, can cause rare spinal infections in immunocompromised patients. Early diagnosis and aggressive surgical and medical treatment are crucial for recovery.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Spinal Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections are often linked to immunodeficiency.
- Mycobacterium xenopi typically affects the respiratory tract, with rare occurrences of spinal infections.
Observation:
- A case study of a 28-year-old HIV-positive patient with chronic back pain.
- Diagnostic imaging, including MRI and F18-FDG-PET, confirmed spondylodiscitis.
- CT-guided abscess drainage provided initial improvement.
Findings:
- Severe spinal destruction and epidural abscess formation necessitated vertebrectomy and debridement.
- Mycobacterium xenopi was identified via PCR in intraoperative samples.
- Surgical stabilization involved cage interposition and an anterolateral monobar system.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare pathogens in spinal infections among immunocompromised individuals.
- Multimodal treatment, including surgery and antituberculotic therapy, led to rapid convalescence.
- The study emphasizes the need for prompt diagnosis and intervention for Mycobacterium xenopi spondylodiscitis.
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