[2 cases of iatrogenic oral streptococcal infection: meningitis and spondylodiscitis]

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Updated: Oct 28, 2026

Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
06:23

Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis

Published on: May 23, 2021

S Molinier1, J F Paris, P Brisou

  • 1Service de médecine interne, hôpital d'instruction des armées Sainte-Anne, Toulon Naval, France.

La Revue De Medecine Interne
|October 17, 1998
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Iatrogenic infections from invasive spine procedures can be avoided. Simple aseptic techniques, like wearing a surgical mask during spinal taps, prevent serious infections such as meningitis and spondylodiscitis.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurosurgery
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Invasive diagnostic and therapeutic spine procedures carry a risk of iatrogenic infections.
  • Streptococcus viridans is a common pathogen implicated in these infections.

Observation:

  • A 42-year-old male developed Streptococcus oralis spondylodiscitis after nucleolysis.
  • A 51-year-old female contracted Streptococcus salivarius meningitis following hysteroscopy with spinal anesthesia.

Findings:

  • Iatrogenic origin of infections was confirmed by disease timeline and bacterial analysis.
  • The bacteria likely originated from the patient's skin flora or the healthcare provider's oral flora.

Implications:

  • Adherence to basic aseptic protocols is crucial for preventing iatrogenic infections.
  • Wearing surgical masks during spinal procedures can significantly reduce infection risk.

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