Non-contiguous multifocal vertebral osteomyelitis caused by Serratia marcescens

Jen Lau, Jordan Li, Tuck Yong

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    3 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Serratia marcescens is a common nosocomial infection but a rare cause of osteomyelitis and more so of vertebral osteomyelitis. Vertebral osteomyelitis caused by this organism has been reported in few studies. We report a case of S. marcescens vertebral discitis and osteomyelitis aff ecting multiple non-contiguous vertebras. Although Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of vertebral osteomyelitis, rare causes, such as S. marcescens, need to be considered, especially when risk factors such as intravenous heroin use, post-spinal surgery and immunosuppression are present. Therefore, blood culture and where necessary biopsy of the infected region should be undertaken to establish the causative organism and determine appropriate antibiotic susceptibility. Prompt diagnosis of S. marcescens vertebral osteomyelitis followed by the appropriate treatment can achieve successful outcomes.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)303-306
    Number of pages4
    JournalModern Rheumatology
    Volume25
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2015

    Keywords

    • Discitis
    • Serratia marcescens
    • Vertebral osteomyelitis

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