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Relapsed boyhood tibia polymicrobial osteomyelitis linked to dermatophytosis: a case report
Ping Kong1,2, Youliang Ren3, Jin Yang1,2,3
1Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China.
BMC Surgery
|May 5, 2022
Summary
This case study highlights a rare instance of relapsed childhood tibia osteomyelitis, complicated by a fungal infection. The fungal infection may have triggered the recurrence of the polymicrobial bone infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Dermatology
Background:
- Polymicrobial osteomyelitis is a serious bone infection.
- Dermatophytosis is a common fungal skin infection.
- The association between relapsed osteomyelitis and dermatophytosis is rarely documented.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old male presented with a 29-year history of left tibial osteomyelitis.
- He also had a 20-year history of fungal infection on his ipsilateral heel.
- The patient experienced a recurrence of polymicrobial infection 6 years prior to this report.
Findings:
- Histopathology and microbiology confirmed polymicrobial infection including Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium.
- A fungal infection was also identified in conjunction with the bone infection.
- The patient's symptoms worsened with the progression of dermatophytosis, preceding the osteomyelitis relapse.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential link between fungal infections and the relapse of chronic osteomyelitis.
- Further research is warranted to explore the role of dermatophytosis in bone infection recurrence.
- Understanding this association could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment strategies for complex infections.
