Mycoplasma hominis deep wound infection after neuromuscular scoliosis surgery: the use of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Eur Spine J. 2006 Oct;15 Suppl 5(Suppl 5):599-603. doi: 10.1007/s00586-005-0055-y. Epub 2006 Jan 21.

Abstract

Mycoplasma hominis is a commensal of the genitourinary tract. It mostly causes infections to associated structures of this system; however, occasionally it is a pathogen in nongenitourinary tract infections. Since, M. hominis strains require special growth conditions and cannot be Gram stained, they may be missed or delay diagnosis. This report describes a deep wound infection caused by M. hominis after neuromuscular scoliosis surgery; M. hominis was recovered by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). An awareness of the role of M. hominis as an extragenital pathogen in musculoskeletal infections, especially in neuromuscular scoliosis, being a high-risk group for postoperative wound infection, it is necessary to identify this pathogen. Real-time PCR for postoperative deep wound infection, in patients with a history of genitourinary infections, decreases the delay in diagnosis and treatment. In these cases rapid real-time PCR on deep cultures should be considered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Computer Systems
  • DNA, Bacterial
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mycoplasma Infections / diagnosis*
  • Mycoplasma Infections / etiology*
  • Mycoplasma hominis* / genetics
  • Mycoplasma hominis* / isolation & purification
  • Orthopedic Procedures / adverse effects*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction*
  • Radiography
  • Scoliosis / surgery*
  • Surgical Wound Infection / diagnostic imaging
  • Surgical Wound Infection / etiology*
  • Surgical Wound Infection / pathology

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial