Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 2, 2025

Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
06:23

Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis

Published on: May 23, 2021

5.0K

Burkholderia cepacia Complex Lumbar Spondylodiscitis: A Rare Nosocomial Infection

Rachel Subramanian1, Lynn Fitzgibbons2

  • 1Department of Medical Education, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara, CA, USA.

Case Reports in Infectious Diseases
|February 28, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Pyogenic spondylodiscitis caused by Burkholderia cepacia complex is rare. An immunocompetent woman with hyperthyroidism was successfully treated with levofloxacin for this rare spinal infection.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Pyogenic spondylodiscitis is a spinal infection, rarely caused by Burkholderia cepacia complex.
  • Burkholderia cepacia complex is an opportunistic pathogen, typically affecting immunocompromised individuals or those with cystic fibrosis.

Observation:

  • A female patient with hyperthyroidism developed lower back pain post-bariatric surgery.
  • Lumbar MRI revealed L2/L3 osteomyelitis and discitis.
  • Aspiration culture identified Burkholderia cepacia complex.

Findings:

  • The identified Burkholderia cepacia complex strain showed sensitivity to multiple antibiotics.
  • Initial treatment with cefepime was ineffective.
  • Successful treatment was achieved with levofloxacin monotherapy.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a rare instance of Burkholderia cepacia complex causing spondylodiscitis in an immunocompetent host.
  • It underscores the importance of considering environmental pathogens in post-surgical infections.
  • Levofloxacin monotherapy can be an effective treatment option for this specific type of infection.

More Related Videos

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

15.2K
A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients03:47

A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients

Published on: October 25, 2024

380

Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
362
Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes01:30

Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes

Spirochetes, unique bacteria in the phylum Spirochaetes, are gram-negative, motile, tightly coiled, slender, and flexible. They inhabit aquatic sediments and animals, with some causing diseases like syphilis. Spirochetes are classified into eight genera based on habitat, pathogenicity, phylogeny, and characteristics.Their distinctive motility arises from endoflagella, located within the cell’s periplasm. These endoflagella anchor at the cell poles and extend along the cell length, encased...
147
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis II

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
552
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
377
Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic01:26

Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) occur in a healthcare facility while a person receives care for another ailment. This category also includes work-related infections among healthcare staff.
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies.
4.7K
Endocarditis I: Introduction01:25

Endocarditis I: Introduction

Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
48