Spondylodiscitis due to Bacteroides fragilis: two cases and review

Scand J Infect Dis. 2006;38(3):229-31. doi: 10.1080/00365540500349018.

Abstract

Non-iatrogenic spondylodiscitis caused by anaerobic bacteria remains exceptional. We describe 2 cases of spondylodiscitis with epidural abscess due to Bacteroides fragilis, 1 after colonoscopy with biopsy and 1 in a cirrhotic patient. The clinical and imaging findings were not discriminant relative to other pyogenic spondylodiscitis. One should consider B. fragilis when treating a spondylodiscitis with epidural abscess, especially in patients with a possibly digestive portal of entry.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / microbiology
  • Aged
  • Bacteroides Infections / microbiology
  • Bacteroides fragilis / isolation & purification*
  • Cervical Vertebrae / microbiology*
  • Discitis / microbiology*
  • Epidural Abscess / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / microbiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged