Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 21, 2026

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Candida albicans Detection in Catheter Infections Using Fluorescent Protein Tagging
03:24

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Candida albicans Detection in Catheter Infections Using Fluorescent Protein Tagging

Published on: March 22, 2024

2.3K

Candidal Vertebral Osteomyelitis in the Midst of Renal Disorders

Anusha Gopinathan1, Anil Kumar2, Srivatsa Nagaraja Rao3

  • 1Clincial Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences , Kochi, Kerala, India .

Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research : JCDR
|May 19, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Fungal vertebral osteomyelitis, particularly from Candida tropicalis, is rare but serious in patients with kidney disease. Early antifungal treatment is crucial, though outcomes can vary, with one case developing a spinal epidural abscess.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Nephrology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Vertebral osteomyelitis (VO), also known as discitis or pyogenic spondylitis, is an infection of the vertebral disc space.
  • While bacterial infections are common, fungal osteomyelitis is a rare occurrence.
  • Spinal epidural abscess is a severe complication of VO.

Observation:

  • This report details two cases of VO caused by Candida tropicalis in patients with advanced renal disorders (stage 5 chronic kidney disease and nephropathy).
  • One patient presented with a concurrent spinal epidural abscess, highlighting a dangerous potential complication.
  • Both patients received antifungal therapy.

Findings:

  • Candida tropicalis can cause vertebral osteomyelitis, especially in immunocompromised individuals with renal failure.
  • The presence of a spinal epidural abscess indicates a severe presentation of fungal VO.
  • Treatment response to antifungal therapy was variable, with one patient lost to follow-up.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering fungal pathogens in VO, particularly in patients with underlying renal disease.
  • Emphasizes the potential for severe complications like spinal epidural abscess.
  • Underscores the need for prompt diagnosis and appropriate antifungal management in this vulnerable patient population.
Keywords:
Candida tropicalisChronic renal failureDiscitisEpidural abscessFungal osteomyelitisSpondylitis

More Related Videos

5/6 Nephrectomy Using Sharp Bipolectomy Via Midline Laparotomy in Rats05:34

5/6 Nephrectomy Using Sharp Bipolectomy Via Midline Laparotomy in Rats

Published on: April 4, 2025

1.9K

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
906
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...
606
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention01:30

Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
456
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...
1.0K
Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations01:29

Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) progresses through distinct clinical phases: the oliguric, diuretic, and recovery phases, each marked by unique manifestations and challenges.Oliguric Phase:The oliguric phase is the initial stage of AKI, typically lasting 10 to 14 days. This phase is marked by a significant reduction in urine output, usually less than 400 mL per day, indicating decreased kidney function. Fluid retention is a prominent feature, leading to symptoms such as edema, hypertension, and...
1.3K
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction01:25

Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arises when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. At this advanced stage, the kidneys can no longer filter waste or maintain essential body functions, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) through dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.Early-stage chronic kidney disease and detection challengesIn CKD's early stages, symptoms often remain absent because healthy nephrons compensate for...
1.0K