Spondylodiscitis complicated by an epidural abscess and meningitis caused by Bacteroides fragilis

Intern Med. 2012;51(22):3189-91. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.51.7874. Epub 2012 Nov 15.

Abstract

Bacteroides fragilis is a rare causative agent of spondylodiscitis. The pathophysiology of B. fragilis in spondylodiscitis remains largely unclear because of its rare occurrence. We herein report a case of spondylodiscitis complicated by an epidural abscess and meningitis; B. fragilis was detected in the blood of the patient. Moreover, the patient had a splenic abscess that was confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging. The patient completely recovered with antimicrobial therapy alone.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bacteroides Infections / complications*
  • Bacteroides Infections / drug therapy
  • Bacteroides Infections / microbiology
  • Bacteroides fragilis* / isolation & purification
  • Bacteroides fragilis* / pathogenicity
  • Discitis / complications*
  • Discitis / drug therapy
  • Discitis / microbiology
  • Epidural Abscess / complications*
  • Epidural Abscess / drug therapy
  • Epidural Abscess / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / complications*
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / drug therapy
  • Meningitis, Bacterial / microbiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents