Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026

Identification of Rare Bacterial Pathogens by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS
Published on: July 11, 2016
Isolated septic discitis associated with Streptococcus bovis bacteremia.
Deng-Ho Yang1, Mu-Hsin Chang, Wei-Chou Chang
1Division of Rheumatology/Immunology/Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, Armed-Forces Taichung General Hospital, and Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taiwan, Republic of China. deng6263@ms71.hinet.net
Streptococcus bovis bacteremia can cause isolated septic discitis, a serious spinal infection. This case highlights the importance of considering S. bovis in patients with back pain and positive blood cultures.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Streptococcus bovis is a Gram-positive bacterium commonly found in gut flora.
- It is recognized for its association with colon cancer and infective endocarditis.
- Septic discitis is a severe infection of the intervertebral disc space.
Observation:
- A 79-year-old male presented with acute lower back pain.
- Blood cultures identified Streptococcus bovis, and MRI revealed septic discitis of the L2-L3 intervertebral disc.
- Surgical debridement confirmed S. bovis in the infected disc tissue.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with isolated septic discitis caused by S. bovis bacteremia.
- Echocardiography and colonoscopy ruled out endocarditis and colon cancer.
- Successful treatment involved six weeks of antibiotic therapy.
Implications:
- This case underscores S. bovis as a potential cause of isolated spinal infections.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment are crucial for managing S. bovis-induced septic discitis.
- Further research may elucidate the specific mechanisms of S. bovis tropism for intervertebral discs.
More Related Videos
07:14A CFSE-based Assay to Study the Migration of Murine Skin Dendritic Cells into Draining Lymph Nodes During Infection with Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette-Guérin
Published on: October 9, 2016
06:23Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
Published on: May 23, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes
Staphylococcal Skin Infections
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology