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Published on: September 19, 2016
[Osteomyelitis as a complication following BCG vaccination]
M I Withagen1, A Ruitenberg, D van Soolingen
1Erasmus Universiteit, faculteit Geneeskunde, Rotterdam.
Insights
A 5-month-old girl developed proximal femur osteomyelitis following Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination. Prompt antituberculous treatment led to a positive clinical response, highlighting early diagnosis and intervention for this rare complication.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Skeletal infections
- Mycobacterial infections
Background:
- Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination is a common preventative measure against tuberculosis.
- Osteomyelitis, a serious bone infection, can have various etiologies.
- Proximal femur osteomyelitis presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in infants.
Observation:
- A 5-month-old infant presented with symptoms suggestive of osteomyelitis.
- The patient had received BCG vaccination at 2 weeks of age.
- Clinical presentation indicated infection localized to the proximal femur.
Findings:
- Biochemical and molecular techniques, including DNA fingerprinting, confirmed the diagnosis of osteomyelitis.
- The causative agent was identified as Mycobacterium bovis, linked to the BCG vaccine.
- The infant showed a favorable response to standard antituberculous therapy.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for disseminated BCG infection leading to osteomyelitis.
- Early diagnosis through advanced molecular methods is crucial for effective management.
- Antituberculous treatment is effective in resolving BCG-related proximal femur osteomyelitis in infants.
Abstract:
Osteomyelitis of the proximal femur was diagnosed in a 5-month-old girl after BCG vaccination at the age of 2 weeks. The diagnosis was confirmed by biochemical and molecular techniques (DNA fingerprinting). The girl responded well to antituberculous treatment.
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