E.coli Associated Extensive Bilateral Maxillary Osteomyelitis: A Rare Case Report.

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Chronic osteomyelitis of the jaw, particularly the maxilla, is now rare due to antibiotics.
• Jaw osteomyelitis typically involves Staphylococcus species, but enteric bacteria are infrequently reported.
• Enteric bacteria, like E.coli, are rarely implicated in osteomyelitis of the jaw.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of maxillary osteomyelitis caused by E.coli.
• To highlight the aggressive nature of this rare presentation in a diabetic patient.
• To contribute to the limited literature on jaw osteomyelitis caused by enteric pathogens.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a diabetic patient with bilateral maxillary necrosis.
• Clinical examination and diagnostic imaging.
• Literature review to assess the rarity of E.coli-associated maxillary osteomyelitis.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with severe, bilateral maxillary necrosis.
• E.coli was identified as the causative microorganism.
• Extensive literature search confirmed this as the first reported case of maxillary osteomyelitis linked to E.coli.

Conclusions:

• E.coli can cause severe maxillary osteomyelitis, even in the antibiotic era.
• Diabetic individuals may be at increased risk for unusual pathogens in jaw infections.
• This case underscores the importance of considering a broader range of microorganisms in refractory osteomyelitis.