title: Non-contiguous multifocal vertebral osteomyelitis caused by Serratia marcescens.
abstract: Serratia marcescens is a common nosocomial infection but a rare cause of osteomyelitis and more so of vertebral osteomyelitis. Vertebral osteomyelitis caused by this organism has been reported in few studies. We report a case of S. marcescens vertebral discitis and osteomyelitis affecting multiple non-contiguous vertebras. Although Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of vertebral osteomyelitis, rare causes, such as S. marcescens, need to be considered, especially when risk factors such as intravenous heroin use, post-spinal surgery and immunosuppression are present. Therefore, blood culture and where necessary biopsy of the infected region should be undertaken to establish the causative organism and determine appropriate antibiotic susceptibility. Prompt diagnosis of S. marcescens vertebral osteomyelitis followed by the appropriate treatment can achieve successful outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders University , Bedford Park, SA , Australia.
authors.forename: Jen Xin
authors.initials: JX
authors.lastname: Lau
authors.forename: Jordan Yuanzhi
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Tuck Yean
authors.initials: TY
authors.lastname: Yong
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002939:Ciprofloxacin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000077731:Meropenem; D008875:Middle Aged; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D016868:Serratia Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D012706:Serratia marcescens / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D013845:Thienamycins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D013845:Thienamycins; D002939:Ciprofloxacin; D000077731:Meropenem
keywords: Discitis; Serratia marcescens; Vertebral osteomyelitis