Title of article
Dwarfs in disguise: multiple spinal abscesses and spondylodiscitis caused by an Enterococcus faecium small-colony variant
Author/Authors
Höring, Steffen Institute of Medical Microbiology - Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum, Jena, Germany , Sobotta, Katharina Institute of Medical Microbiology - Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum, Jena, Germany , Schneider, Sylke Clinic for Internal Medicine - Waldkrankenhaus ‘Rudolf Elle’, Klosterlausnitzer Straße, Eisenberg, Germany , Löffler, Bettina Institute of Medical Microbiology - Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum, Jena, Germany , Rödel, Jürgen Institute of Medical Microbiology - Jena University Hospital, Am Klinikum, Jena, Germany
Pages
4
From page
1
To page
4
Abstract
Small-colony variants are slow-growing subpopulations of bacteria known to be involved in latent or recurrent infections, especially in deep-seated foci. Their atypical growth in small colonies can hamper prompt and correct identification in clinical specimens. Here, we present the first case of multiple spinal abscesses and spondylodiscitis associated with an Enterococcus faecium small-colony-variant in an immunocompetent patient. This case demonstrates the diagnostic challenges when encountering this phenotype in the diagnostic laboratory.
Keywords
small-colony variant , SCV , Enterococcus faecium , spondylodiscitis , spinal abscess
Journal title
Access Microbiology
Serial Year
2019
Record number
2615609
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