Study design: Clinical observation of a patient.
Objectives: To present the clinical features of an unusual infection of the spine caused by Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus and to suggest treatment.
Summary of background data: This is only the second reported case of pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis caused by Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus.
Methods: A 66-year-old man had pain of the left lower extremity. Radiologic examination revealed an epidural mass associated with destruction of the L5-S1 vertebral bodies.
Results: Biopsy of the epidural mass was performed, and culture yielded Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus. After intravenous antibiotics, oral doxycycline and erythromycin were given for 5 months. At 9 months after antibiotic treatment was completed, the patient's condition was stable.
Conclusions: Prolonged oral administration of doxycycline and erythromycin was curative in this patient.