Cervical osteomyelitis potentially caused by Campylobacter fetus

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology
• Clinical Case Study

Background:

• Campylobacter fetus is an uncommon human pathogen.
• Typically, it causes invasive infections in immunocompromised individuals.
• Cervical vertebral osteomyelitis is a serious spinal infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first documented case of cervical vertebral osteomyelitis caused by Campylobacter fetus.
• To highlight a potential risk factor (alcohol consumption) in a previously healthy individual.
• To describe the successful treatment and clinical outcome.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a previously healthy male patient.
• Identification of Campylobacter fetus as the causative agent.
• Six-week course of antibiotic treatment.
• Clinical and laboratory marker monitoring.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with cervical vertebral osteomyelitis.
• Campylobacter fetus was identified as the pathogen.
• The patient experienced excellent clinical recovery after six weeks of treatment.
• Laboratory markers normalized, indicating successful eradication of the infection.

Conclusions:

• Campylobacter fetus can cause invasive infections, including osteomyelitis, in seemingly healthy individuals.
• Daily alcohol consumption may be a relevant risk factor.
• Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy lead to favorable outcomes.