Sneathia amnii, an unusual pathogen in spondylitis: A case report

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Gynecologic Oncology

Background:

• Sneathia amnii is an opportunistic pathogen primarily associated with the female reproductive tract.
• Infections caused by S. amnii outside the reproductive tract are uncommon.
• The bacterium has been implicated in pregnancy-related and postpartum infections.

Observation:

• A rare case of spondylitis caused by Sneathia amnii in a 72-year-old woman is presented.
• The patient's infection was successfully treated with seven weeks of antimicrobial therapy.
• The identification of S. amnii in discal biopsies prompted further investigation.

Findings:

• The diagnostic process, guided by S. amnii growth, led to the discovery of an underlying endometrium adenocarcinoma.
• This case demonstrates an unusual presentation of S. amnii infection.
• The pathogen's presence suggested a link to gynecological pathology.

Implications:

• This case highlights the need for thorough diagnostic procedures, including adequate incubation of discal biopsies.
• Utilizing both aerobic and anaerobic enrichment broths with prolonged incubation is crucial for identifying fastidious or unusual pathogens like S. amnii.
• Clinicians should consider S. amnii in the differential diagnosis of infections, even outside the typical reproductive tract sites, especially when gynecological pathology is suspected.