Haemophilus Species, a Rare Cause of Vertebral Osteomyelitis: Case Report and Review of the Literature. Issue 4 (July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brooks, Daniel R.; Zhou, Shiwei; Kauffman, Carol A.
• Is Part Of: Infectious diseases in clinical practice. Volume 28:Issue 4(2020:Jul.)
• Publication Date: 2020-07
• Subjects: Haemophilus influenzae -- Haemophilus parainfluenzae -- vertebral osteomyelitis; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1097/IPC.0000000000000847
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1056-9103

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract: Vertebral osteomyelitis secondary to Haemophilus species is rare. We report a case of Haemophilus parainfluenzae vertebral osteomyelitis and review the English-language literature for cases of H. parainfluenzae and Haemophilus influenzae vertebral osteomyelitis. Fourteen previously reported cases are described alongside our case. The median age was 66 years. Twelve patients (80%) had infection involving the lumbar/sacral vertebrae. Nine (60%) had a possible predisposing factor, including prior respiratory infections and procedures involving mucosal surfaces. Only 4 patients were febrile, and another 4 had symptoms suggesting cord compression. The diagnosis was established by growth of the organism in samples obtained by percutaneous aspiration/biopsy of involved vertebrae in all but 1 patient. Haemophilus parainfluenzae was associated with a faster clinical progression than H. influenzae . Antibiotics alone were curative in 11 of the 15 patients; 4 also underwent a surgical procedure. Three of 5 patients with H. parainfluenzae infection required surgery. The infection was cured in all patients, including 1 patient who had a relapse after the initial course of antibiotics; only 1 patient had residual neurological symptoms of finger numbness.