Spinal Epidural Abscess Caused by Gardnerella vaginalis and Prevotella amnii. Issue 4 (July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stewart, Leslie; Sinha, Saurabh; Madsen, Peter J.; Glaser, Laurel; Chen, H. Isaac; Culyba, Matthew J.
• Is Part Of: Infectious diseases in clinical practice. Volume 26:Issue 4(2018:Jul.)
• Publication Date: 2018-07
• Subjects: spinal epidural abscess -- pelvic inflammatory disease -- Gardnerella -- Prevotella -- gonorrhea; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1097/IPC.0000000000000565
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1056-9103

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract: We report a case of spinal epidural abscess in a 58-year-old woman who had recently been diagnosed with gonococcal infection, but did not receive guideline-recommended therapy. She presented with back pain as well as signs and symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine demonstrated epidural abscess extending from T10 to L4/L5. She underwent T10/L1 and L3/L4 laminectomies for evacuation of the abscess and Gardnerella vaginalis and Prevotella amnii were isolated from the abscess fluid cultures. Our case demonstrates spinal epidural abscess as a rare, but morbid complication of PID and highlights the pathogenic potential of the anaerobic flora associated with PID. Abstract : The authors report a case of spinal epidural abscess (SEA) in a woman who had recently been diagnosed with gonococcal infection, but did not receive guideline-recommended therapy. She presented with back pain and signs of pelvic infl ammatory disease (PID). Abscess fluid cultures obtained from the SEA grew Gardnerella vaginalis and Prevotella amnii . This demonstrates SEA as a rare, but morbid complication of PID and highlights the pathogenic potential of the anaerobic f lora associated with PID.