Spinal Epidural Abscess Caused by Campylobacter jejuni Without Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) is a gram-negative bacterium known to cause gastroenteritis with fever, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea. Although Campylobacter bacteremia is reported in patients with gastroenteritis, localized abscess formation, particularly spinal epidural abscess (SEA), is extremely rare and can easily be missed. Herein, we report a case of a 54-year-old immunocompromised female presenting with severe back pain without gastrointestinal symptoms, who was ultimately diagnosed with an L5/S1 SEA due to C.jejuni, requiring laminectomy and drainage. As far as we know, this is the second reported case of SEA due to C. jejuni without any preceding gastrointestinal symptoms. This case highlights the critical importance of performing a contrasted MRI for the early and accurate diagnosis of SEA.