Achromobacter spondylodiscitis: A case report and review of literature

• Main Authors: Hamza Shaikh, Thomas J Kishen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2018-01-01
• Series: Indian Spine Journal
• Subjects: achromobacter denitrificans; community-acquired infections; nosocomial infection; spondylodiscitis
• Online Access: http://www.isjonline.com/article.asp?issn=2589-5079;year=2018;volume=1;issue=2;spage=144;epage=147;aulast=Shaikh

We present a case of a 71-year-old male with T12-L1 spondylodiscitis, who was initially treated as a tubercular spondylodiscitis with antituberculous therapy drugs. One month later, the patient developed difficulty in walking with motor weakness in both lower limbs and a second magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed an increase in the volume of pus with cord compression. Pedicle screw stabilization (T9–L4) with T12-L1 laminectomy and curettage of the disc space was performed. Achromobacter denitrificans was identified in aerobic culture. He was treated with an extended course of antibiotics, and subsequently, the lower limb motor power recovered, and biochemical parameters returned to normal. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no report of Achromobacter causing spondylodiscitis in English medical literature. This report focuses on the steps taken in management with special reference to antibiotic therapy.