Case Report : Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus bacteriemia and spondylodiscitis following direct contact with a horse
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus is a zoonotic pathogen that commonly colonizes the respiratory tract and oral cavity of horses. Human infections are rare and most frequently present as bacteremia, meningitis, or pneumonia.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We report the case of an 88-year-old patient who developed Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus spondylodiscitis after direct and exclusive contact with a live horse. Clinical, microbiological, and radiological findings were reviewed.
RESULTS
Blood cultures identified Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed spondylodiscitis. The patient was successfully treated with a 45-day course of intravenous ceftriaxone followed by a 10-day course of oral levofloxacin, resulting in favorable clinical evolution.
CONCLUSION
This appears to be the first reported case of Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus spondylodiscitis associated with direct and exclusive contact with a live horse. Clinicians should inquire about horse exposure when evaluating invasive streptococcal infections.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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