Campylobacter fetus spondylodiscitis in a patient with HIV infection and restored CD4 count

Abstract

Campylobacter fetus (C. fetus) is a rare condition and mostly seen in elderly or immunocompromised patients. We present the first case of C. fetus spondylodiscitis in a virologically suppressed HIV seropositive patient with low back pain. MRI was performed and showed spondylodiscitis of the L4-L5 region. Empirical antibiotic therapy with flucloxacillin was started after blood cultures were drawn and an image-guided disc biopsy was performed. Blood cultures remained negative. The anaerobic culture of the puncture biopsy of the disc revealed presence of C. fetus after which the antibiotic treatment was switched to ceftriaxone. Guided by the susceptibility results, the therapy was switched to ciprofloxacin orally for 6 weeks after which the patient made full clinical, biochemical and radiographic recovery. Since no other immune-deficient conditions were noted, it is important to highlight that patients with HIV infection with restored CD4 counts and complete virological suppression can still be susceptible for infections caused by rare pathogens. Low back pain should raise suspicion for these conditions and should be examined properly.