A capricious case of Staphylococcus caprae thoracic osteomyelitis

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Staphylococcus caprae (S. caprae) is a coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) commonly found on human skin.
• Historically underreported due to identification challenges, advances in molecular methods and MALDI-TOF MS have improved S. caprae detection.
• S. caprae is increasingly recognized as a cause of nosocomial infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients or those with prosthetic devices.

Observation:

• S. caprae osteoarticular infections (BJIs) are typically polymicrobial and associated with orthopedic prostheses in immunocompromised adults.
• A rare case of native BJIs caused by S. caprae in an immunocompetent 65-year-old male with type 2 diabetes and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is presented.
• The patient experienced thoracic discitis/osteomyelitis following a fall, complicated by recurrent catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI).

Findings:

• This case highlights S. caprae as an emerging pathogen capable of causing native BJIs in immunocompetent hosts.
• Accurate identification of S. caprae is critical for appropriate and timely treatment.
• Prompt, targeted therapy for S. caprae BJIs is essential to prevent adverse outcomes.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider S. caprae in the differential diagnosis of BJIs, even in immunocompetent patients without hardware.
• Improved diagnostic techniques are vital for recognizing the expanding spectrum of S. caprae infections.
• Early targeted treatment of S. caprae infections can lead to better patient prognoses.