Case report: Candida krusei spondylitis in an immunocompromised patient

Audrey J. C. Overgaauw, David C. de Leeuw, Susanne P. Stoof, Karin van Dijk, Joost C. J. Bot, Eef J. Hendriks

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3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Invasive infections with Candida krusei are uncommon and rarely complicated by spondylitis. Previous described cases were solely treated with antimycotic therapy, despite guidelines recommending surgical interventions. Case presentation: We describe a case of C. krusei spondylitis in a patient treated with chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia. After induction chemotherapy, the patient developed a candidemia, which was treated with micafungin. One month after the candidemia, the patient was admitted with severe lumbar pain. Spondylitis of the L4 and L5 vertebra was diagnosed on MR-imaging, with signs suggesting an atypical infection. The patient was treated with anidulafungin combined with voriconazole. Despite maximal conservative management symptoms gradually worsened eventually requiring surgical intervention. Conclusions: In contrast to previous case reports, antimycotic treatment alone could be insufficient in treating C. krusei spondylitis.
Original languageEnglish
Article number739
JournalBMC Infectious Diseases
Volume20
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 8 Oct 2020

Keywords

  • Candida krusei
  • Candidemia
  • Spondylitis

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