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Updated: Jan 2, 2026
Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
Published on: May 23, 2021
Candida glabrata spondylodiscitis: A case report
Christina El Khoury1, Philippe Younes2, Rabih Hallit3
1Department of Pharmacy, Bellevue Medical Center, Mansourieh, Lebanon. christina.j.elkhoury@gmail.com.
Introduction:
Spondylodiscitis is an infection in the intervertebral disc space and adjacent end plates. It can be attributed to bacteria, mycobacteria or fungi. As the number of immunosuppressed patients continues to grow, the incidence of developing fungal infections has become more frequent.
Methodology:
We report the case of a 53-year-old immunocompetent female patient with a fungal spondylodiscitis infection caused by Candida glabrata diagnosed by open surgical biopsy, one-month posturosepsis.
Results:
Our patient with Candida glabrata was disease free in 6 months after being treated through surgical fusion at the level of C4-C5 and the use of intravenous micafungin followed by oral voriconazole for a total of 6 months.
Discussion:
Fungal spondylodiscitis, especially due to Candida glabrata, remains a rare condition, usually suspected in immunocompromised and elderly patients. Without appropriate diagnosis and tailored surgical and medical treatment, the infection can be progressive and yield to deleterious complications such as vertebral destruction. Surgical debridement of the disc alongside fusion and antifungal therapy for a minimum of 3 months are highly recommended.
Insights
This case study highlights a rare fungal spondylodiscitis caused by Candida glabrata in an immunocompetent patient. Successful treatment involved surgery and antifungal therapy, demonstrating effective management for this challenging infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Spine Surgery
- Mycology
Background:
- Spondylodiscitis is an infection of the intervertebral disc and adjacent vertebral end plates.
- Fungal infections are increasingly common, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Candida glabrata is an opportunistic fungal pathogen.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of fungal spondylodiscitis caused by Candida glabrata in an immunocompetent patient.
- To describe the diagnostic and therapeutic approach for this condition.
- To emphasize the importance of timely and appropriate management.
Main Methods:
- Diagnosis was established via open surgical biopsy.
- The patient underwent surgical fusion at the C4-C5 level.
- Treatment included intravenous micafungin followed by oral voriconazole.
Main Results:
- The patient achieved a disease-free status at 6 months post-treatment.
- Surgical fusion and a 6-month antifungal regimen were key to recovery.
- No disease recurrence was observed within the follow-up period.
Conclusions:
- Fungal spondylodiscitis, especially from Candida glabrata, is rare but can occur in immunocompetent individuals.
- Prompt diagnosis and a combination of surgical debridement, fusion, and antifungal therapy are crucial.
- Aggressive treatment is necessary to prevent severe complications like vertebral destruction.
