Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess
06:02

Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess

Published on: March 2, 2020

Lumbar septic arthritis and psoas abscess due to Aggregatibacter aphrophilus

Fanny Bernard1, Pascal Rossi, Jean Christophe Lagier

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Public Hospital of Marseille, AP-HM, North Hospital, Chemin des bourrely, Marseilles, France.

BMJ Case Reports
|June 15, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Aggregatibacter aphrophilus rarely causes invasive infections like septic arthritis of the lumbar spine. Prompt antibiotic treatment led to a positive outcome in this unique case.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Orthopedics

Background:

  • Invasive Aggregatibacter aphrophilus infections are uncommon.
  • Typical presentations include endocarditis and osteoarticular infections, often with negative blood cultures.

Observation:

  • A rare case of posterior septic arthritis of the lumbar spine caused by Aggregatibacter aphrophilus is described.
  • The infection involved contiguous abscesses in the psoas and paravertebral muscles.

Findings:

  • The likely source of infection was the oral cavity.
  • Prolonged and targeted antibiotic therapy resulted in a favorable outcome.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the potential for Aggregatibacter aphrophilus to cause severe spinal infections.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic management are crucial for successful treatment of these rare infections.

Related Concept Videos

Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Appendicitis01:19

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction01:27

Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction

Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the renal parenchyma and collecting system, including the renal pelvis, tubules, and interstitial tissue of one or both kidneys. It can be classified as either acute—a sudden, severe infection—or chronic, which refers to long-term or recurrent kidney infections.The primary cause of acute pyelonephritis (APN) is bacterial infection, with Escherichia coli accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. Other bacteria, such as Proteus,...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...