Yersinia enterocolitica causing spinal osteomyelitis and empyema in a nonimmunocompromised host

We have reported a case of spinal osteomyelitis and empyema caused by Yersinia enterocolitica. Because this patient was in otherwise good health without evidence of liver disease, the extent of her illness was remarkable. This unique report of Y enterocolitica infection of the spine not only illustrates the organism's capacity for hematogenous spread in nonimmunocompromised patient, but documents survival in the face of widely disseminated multisystemic disease. Furthermore, the management of this patient was unusual in that operation was required. The astute clinician should consider the possibility of spinal involvement in a patient with Yersinia colitis and neck pain and should also recognize the possibility of serious and widespread infection in an otherwise low-risk patient. In a patient with widespread disease, focal collections of fluid may necessitate surgical management.