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Candida sake as the causative agent of spondylodiscitis in a hemodialysis patient

Alessandra Palmisano1, Magda Benecchi, Massimo De Filippo

  • 1Department of Clinical Medicine, Nephrology and Health Sciences, University Hospital of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.

The Spine Journal : Official Journal of the North American Spine Society
|March 8, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This case report details the first instance of spondylodiscitis caused by Candida sake, a rare fungal pathogen. Effective treatment with antifungal therapy highlights the importance of considering unusual fungi in immunocompromised patients.

Area of Science:

  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Fungal spondylodiscitis typically involves common Candida species.
  • Unusual Candida strains, like Candida sake, are often considered nonpathogenic.
  • Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis (HD) are susceptible to infections.

Observation:

  • A patient with ESRD on HD presented with lumbar spondylodiscitis and psoas abscesses.
  • Imaging findings mimicked Pott's disease.
  • Candida sake was unexpectedly isolated from abscess aspirates.

Findings:

  • Successful treatment of spondylodiscitis and abscesses was achieved with fluconazole.
  • Candida sake, previously considered nonpathogenic, caused severe spinal infection.
  • The patient's uremic state and HD may have predisposed to this infection.

Implications:

  • Rare fungal strains can cause serious infections in immunocompromised individuals.
  • Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antifungal therapy are crucial for favorable outcomes.
  • Consideration of unusual pathogens is essential in patients with chronic conditions and infections.

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