Lumbar Spine Infection by Granulicatella and Abiotrophia Species

The Granulicatella and Abiotrophia species are streptococci and natural inhabitants of the oral and urogenital flora. They are uncommonly associated with human pathology, although they can cause septicemia, endocarditis, or bacteremia. These microorganisms are difficult to culture and identify due to particular microenvironment requirements. Rarely, presentation is osteomyelitis or infections of the spine.

The case report referenced patient notes, laboratory values, and imaging from the electronic health record. In this 48-year-old male with a history of hepatitis C and intravenous drug use, back pain was a relatively common presentation of an uncommon infection. His hospital course was significant for low back pain that did not resolve with conservative measures. Imaging was concerning for infection of the lumbar spine. Biopsies, negative early on, were ultimately positive for Granulicatella and Abiotrophia species, a rare infectious etiology. This infection uncommonly affects the lumbar spine and has not been previously documented in IV drug users. Intravenous antibiotics were prescribed for 6 weeks, after which the patient demonstrated significant clinical improvement.

With such an uncommon pathogen, there are no universal protocol changes indicated. However, awareness of such unusual microbes and their potential role as the etiology of more common infections, such as lumbar osteomyelitis, is crucial in developing a thorough infectious workup in cases resistant to treatment targeting typical microorganisms.