Vertebral osteomyelitis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae

Abstract

Streptococcus agalactiae is a rare cause of vertebral osteomyelitis. We present four cases of spondylitis caused by this micro-organism and a review of 20 cases previously described in the literature. Only seven patients (29%) were under 50 years of age. Diabetes mellitus and neoplasms were the most frequent underlying conditions, although 37.5% of the patients did not have any predisposition. Neck or back pain was the most common symptom. Diagnosis depended mainly on magnetic resonance imaging. Blood cultures were positive in 50% of the patients. The duration of antibiotic therapy was 6 weeks for most patients. The outcome was favourable, with none of the patients suffering serious sequelae.