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Lumbar discitis caused by Clostridium perfringens.
Romain Lotte1, M R Popoff2, Nicolas Degand3
1Department of Bacteriology, Nice Academic Hospital, Nice, France Nice Medical University, Nice-Sophia Antipolis University, Nice, France lotte.r@chu-nice.fr.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|July 25, 2014
Summary
This study details a rare case of chronic lumbar discitis caused by Clostridium perfringens in an elderly patient. The infection was successfully treated with beta-lactams and clindamycin, and the bacteria showed a unique toxin gene profile.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Chronic discitis is a challenging spinal infection.
- Clostridium perfringens is a rare cause of discitis, particularly in the lumbar spine.
- Elderly patients present unique challenges in managing infections.
Observation:
- A rare case of chronic lumbar discitis was diagnosed in an elderly patient.
- The causative agent was identified as Clostridium perfringens.
- The patient received a combination therapy of beta-lactams and clindamycin.
Findings:
- Successful treatment of Clostridium perfringens-induced chronic lumbar discitis was achieved.
- Molecular analysis of the Clostridium perfringens strain revealed an unusual toxin gene pattern.
- This finding suggests potential variations in virulence factors and pathogenicity.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering Clostridium perfringens in atypical discitis cases.
- Suggests that combination antibiotic therapy (beta-lactams and clindamycin) can be effective.
- The unusual toxin gene pattern warrants further investigation into Clostridium perfringens virulence in spinal infections.
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