Cervical osteomyelitis caused by Pseudomonas cepacia in an intravenous-drug abuser

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Case Reports
• Microbiology

Background:

• Pseudomonas cepacia (P. cepacia) infections are typically hospital-acquired (nosocomial).
• Community-acquired P. cepacia infections are more prevalent in individuals with a history of intravenous-drug abuse (IVDA).
• Vertebral osteomyelitis is a serious spinal infection.

Observation:

• A case of vertebral osteomyelitis is presented.
• The causative agent identified was Pseudomonas cepacia.
• The patient had a history of intravenous-drug abuse.

Findings:

• This is the first reported case of vertebral osteomyelitis caused by P. cepacia.
• The findings suggest P. cepacia can cause community-acquired vertebral osteomyelitis in IVDA.
• Highlights the importance of considering P. cepacia in spinal infections among IVDA.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider P. cepacia in the differential diagnosis of vertebral osteomyelitis, especially in intravenous-drug abusers.
• This case expands the known spectrum of P. cepacia infections.
• Further research may be warranted on community-acquired P. cepacia infections in at-risk populations.