A Rare Case of Vertebral Osteomyelitis Caused by Mycobacterium farcinogenes in an Immunocompetent Host.

Abstract

We report a rare case of vertebral osteomyelitis due to Mycobacterium farcinogenes in a patient who had undergone left-sided percutaneous nephrolithotomy for renal stones. Following the procedure, he developed a wound site infection that progressed to vertebral osteomyelitis and a paravertebral abscess. Initial treatment with empirical anti-tubercular drugs was ineffective. A computed tomography-guided aspiration and biopsy identified acid-fast bacilli as M. farcinogenes using Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight. Treatment was then tailored based on the susceptibility results, leading to a positive response.