A rare case of Gardnerella vaginalis spondylodiscitis
Author Information
Author(s): Alex Belote, Kassem Hammoud
Primary Institution: University of Kansas, Kansas City, KS, USA
Hypothesis
We suspect our patient had developed colonization of his ureteral stent, predisposing him to osteomyelitis.
Conclusion
The patient improved significantly after being treated with oral Metronidazole for Gardnerella vaginalis infection.
Supporting Evidence
- G. vaginalis is a rare cause of bone and joint infections.
- It is difficult to culture and is less virulent than common bacteria associated with native vertebral osteomyelitis.
- There have been few case reports of G. vaginalis osteomyelitis or prosthetic joint infection, especially in males.
Takeaway
A man had back pain caused by a rare infection from a bacteria called Gardnerella vaginalis, which was found after a second biopsy.
Methodology
The patient underwent two L4/5 disc biopsies, with cultures revealing Gardnerella vaginalis after initial negative results.
Limitations
The initial urine culture was discarded before further analysis could be performed.
Participant Demographics
55-year-old male with a history of uretero-pelvic junction obstruction.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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