Coxiella burnetii caused lumbar infection: A case report and literature review
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii)is a significant microbe linked to the zoonotic disease Q fever, known for its atypical clinical manifestations and sporadic cases. It can cause lumbar infections. In this report, we present a 66-year-old male sheep farmer who experienced low back pain for five months, with worsening numbness in both lower limbs over two months. Several standard diagnostic tests were negative. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) was performed on lumbar spine tissue obtained via biopsy, identifying C. burnetii infection. After surgical excision of the lesion, the patient received a combination of levofloxacin, doxycycline, rifampicin, and supportive medications. Postoperatively, the patient's condition stabilized, showing a significant reduction in low back pain. This case highlights mNGS as a valuable tool for diagnosing rare infections, especially in patients with a history of animal exposure. It underscores the importance of considering zoonotic infections and the need for combined antibiotic and surgical management in suspected cases.
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.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Ferulic acid regulates the AKT/GSK-3β/CRMP-2 signaling pathway in a middle cerebral artery occlusion animal model
- Novel Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Parameters Quantify the Exposure–Effect Relationship of Levofloxacin against Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Escherichia coli
- Photochemical behavior of levofloxacin
- Correlation Between Dissolution Profiles of Salt-Form Drugs in Biorelevant Bicarbonate Buffer and Oral Drug Absorption: Importance of Dose/ Fluid Volume Ratio
- Evaluation of the synergistic potential and mechanisms of action for de novo designed cationic antimicrobial peptides
- Synthesis of [11C]levofloxacin
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.