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. 2012;3(6):212-4.
doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2012.02.006. Epub 2012 Feb 28.

Intervertebral discitis caused by nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae in an adult: Case report

R Boulton  1 , A Swayamprakasam, M Raza
Affiliations

Intervertebral discitis caused by nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae in an adult: Case report

R Boulton et al. Int J Surg Case Rep. 2012.

Abstract

Introduction: Haemophilus influenzae is a common cause of bacterial meningitis in children and can cause upper respiratory tract infections in adults, but has yet to be reported solely involving intervertebral discitis.

Presentation of case: A 67-year-old builder presenting with fever, myalgia and back pain is found to have intervertebral discitis (confirmed on MRI) caused by H. influenzae (identified on blood cultures).

Discussion: A nontypeable form of H. influenzae has not been reported causing discitis. We describe a case in a relatively fit individual who was treated successfully with antimicrobial treatment. A preceding upper respiratory tract infection is the presumed source of infection, predisposed by long-term low-dose steroid therapy.

Conclusion: H. influenzae is a rare, but treatable cause of discitis.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
AP radiograph showing normal anatomy of the right shoulder.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Sagittal, T2-weighted MR image showing increased signal intensity in the L4/L5 disc, consistent with discitis.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Transverse, post-contrast, T2-weighted MR image obtained at the level of the L4/5 intervertebral space showing enhanced tissue in the center of the disc.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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