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[Osteoarticular Mycobacterium xenopi infection]
E Ollagnier1, A Frésard, C Guglielminotti
1Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital de Bellevue, CHU de Saint-Etienne.
Background:
Mycobacterium xenopi is a potential pathogen for man and can cause bone and joint infections, particularly spondylodiscitis. Most cases of infection occur in fragilized patients and are found more and more often in AIDS patients.
Case Report:
A 41-year-old HIV+ woman developed cervical spondylodiscitis due to Mycobacterium xenopi infection. The strain was isolated from a discovertebral biopsy and was resistant to several antibiotics. Outcome was unfavorable.
Discussion:
Most of the cases reported to date have involved spondylodiscitis of the thoracic or lumbar spine. To our knowledge, this is the first report of cervical spondylodiscitis dut to Mycobacterium xenopi in an HIV+ patient. Antibiotic combinations using fluoroquinolones and new macrolides are usually prescribed. Such protocols may provide cure of these opportunistic infections in immunodeficient patients.
Insights
Mycobacterium xenopi can cause cervical spondylodiscitis in HIV+ patients. This case highlights the need for prompt diagnosis and tailored antibiotic treatment for this opportunistic infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Mycobacterium xenopi is an emerging opportunistic pathogen.
- It commonly causes bone and joint infections, particularly spondylodiscitis.
- Infections are more prevalent in immunocompromised individuals, including those with AIDS.
Observation:
- A 41-year-old HIV-positive woman presented with cervical spondylodiscitis.
- The causative agent, Mycobacterium xenopi, was identified from a discovertebral biopsy.
- The isolated strain exhibited resistance to multiple antibiotics.
Findings:
- This represents the first reported case of cervical spondylodiscitis caused by Mycobacterium xenopi in an HIV-positive patient.
- The patient's outcome was unfavorable, underscoring the challenges in treating disseminated M. xenopi infections.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are crucial for managing Mycobacterium xenopi infections.
- Treatment strategies may involve fluoroquinolones and newer macrolides, especially in immunocompromised hosts.
- Further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols for these challenging opportunistic infections.