[Citrobacter freundii spondylitis and sickle cell disease: a case in Morocco]

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M El Baaj1, K Lazrak, F Tabache

  • 1Service de médecine interne, Hôpital Militaire Moulay Ismail, Meknès, Maroc. elbaajmohamed@yahoo.fr

Medecine Tropicale : Revue Du Corps De Sante Colonial
|February 29, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Infectious complications in sickle cell disease (SCD) can be severe. This case highlights Citrobacter freundii spondylitis, a rare infection in adults with SCD, requiring specific diagnosis and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious diseases
  • Hematology
  • Orthopedics

Background:

  • Sickle cell disease (SCD) patients face high risks of serious infectious complications.
  • Common pathogens in SCD infections vary between children and adults.
  • Gram-negative bacteria are frequent causes of infection in adults with SCD.

Observation:

  • A case of Citrobacter freundii spondylitis with a prevertebral abscess was observed.
  • The abscess extended to the dorsal and lumbar spine.
  • Diagnosis was prompted by persistent vaso-occlusive manifestations.

Findings:

  • Citrobacter freundii is an identified cause of spondylitis and abscess in adults with SCD.
  • The infection presented with spinal involvement and extended to prevertebral areas.
  • Diagnostic work-up for vaso-occlusive crises aided in identifying the infectious etiology.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering unusual pathogens in SCD patients with complex infections.
  • Emphasizes the need for thorough diagnostic evaluation in adults with SCD presenting with persistent symptoms.
  • Successful management involved targeted antibiotherapy and percutaneous drainage.

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