[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.

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