Background context: Vertebral osteomyelitis and disciitis caused by Aspergillus spp is a rare event. Early diagnosis and early antifungal therapy are critical in improving the prognosis for these patients. The diagnosis of invasive fungal infections is, in many cases, not straightforward and requires invasive procedures so that histological examination and culture can be performed. Furthermore, current traditional microbiological tests (ie, cultures and stains) lack the sensitivity for diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis.
Purpose: To present a case of vertebral osteomyelitis caused by Aspergillus spp diagnosed using a novel polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay.
Study design: Case report.
Methods: Aspergillus DNA was detected in DNA extracted from the necrotic bone tissue by using a "panfungal" PCR novel method.
Results: Treatment with voriconazole was started based on the diagnosis.
Conclusion: Using this novel technique enabled us to diagnose accurately an unusual bone pathogen that requires a unique treatment.