Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

The MODS method for diagnosis of tuberculosis and multidrug resistant tuberculosis
23:06

The MODS method for diagnosis of tuberculosis and multidrug resistant tuberculosis

Published on: August 11, 2008

No evidence for presence of bacteria in modic type I changes

N Wedderkopp1, K Thomsen, C Manniche

  • 1Back Research Center, Hospital of Funen, part of Clinical Locomotion Science Group, Ringe, Denmark. nwedderkopp@health.sdu.dk

Acta Radiologica (Stockholm, Sweden : 1987)
|December 5, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study found no evidence of bacterial infection in Modic type I changes associated with sciatica. Bacterial cultures from vertebral biopsies were negative, suggesting staphylococci isolated were likely contaminants.

Area of Science:

  • Spinal pathology
  • Microbiology
  • Infectious disease

Background:

  • Modic type I changes in vertebrae are linked to sciatica and lower back pain.
  • Recent research questions conventional MRI's ability to distinguish degenerative changes from infection.
  • Propionibacterium acnes has been suggested as a potential cause of sciatica.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence of bacteria in Modic type I changes.
  • To determine if bacterial infection contributes to Modic type I changes.

Main Methods:

  • Biopsies were taken from 24 patients with Modic type I changes under strict aseptic conditions.
  • Specimens were cultured for anaerobic and aerobic bacteria.
  • Cultures were incubated for two weeks to observe for growth.

Main Results:

  • No anaerobic bacteria were cultured from any biopsies.
  • Staphylococcus epidermidis and coagulase-negative staphylococci were isolated from two patients.
  • Antibiotic treatment showed no significant effect on symptoms in these patients.

Conclusions:

  • The study found no evidence of bacterial presence in Modic type I vertebral changes.
  • Isolated staphylococci were likely due to contamination, not infection.
  • Bacterial infection is unlikely to be the cause of Modic type I changes.

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Phase Contrast and Differential Interference Contrast Microscopy01:26

Phase Contrast and Differential Interference Contrast Microscopy

Phase-Contrast Microscopes
In-phase-contrast microscopes, interference between light directly passing through a cell and light refracted by cellular components is used to create high-contrast, high-resolution images without staining. It is the oldest and simplest type of microscope that creates an image by altering the wavelengths of light rays passing through the specimen. Altered wavelength paths are created using an annular stop in the condenser. The annular stop produces a hollow cone of...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics01:21

Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics

Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine by saving countless lives from bacterial infections. However, their widespread use has inadvertently harmed the delicate balance of the human gut microbiota. The gut microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and maintaining intestinal health. Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum types, disrupt this ecosystem by eradicating both harmful and beneficial...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Microbial Morphologies01:29

Microbial Morphologies

Bacterial and archaeal cells exhibit remarkable diversity in shape and structure, critical in their adaptability and functionality. Among bacteria, the most commonly observed shapes include cocci and bacilli. Cocci are spherical and may exist singly or in groupings such as pairs (diplococci), chains (streptococci), clusters (staphylococci), or tetrads. Bacilli, in contrast, are rod-shaped and can also occur as single cells, in pairs, or chains, depending on their environmental and genetic...