Spinal infection caused by Aspergillus flavus in a diabetic: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Spinal infections, notably those induced by Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus), represent a complex and uncommon clinical challenge. In individuals with diabetes mellitus, the risk is exacerbated due to a compromised immune response and a heightened vulnerability to non-standard pathogens. This case report chronicles the intricate diagnostic and treatment journey of a 59-year-old diabetic patient grappling with a spinal infection attributed to A. flavus. The diagnosis was delayed due to non-specific symptoms and unclear radiological signs. The administration of voriconazole, a targeted antifungal treatment, resulted in a significant clinical and radiological improvement, underscoring its effectiveness in treating such unusual fungal spinal infections; meanwhile, we found that terbinafine hydrochloride also has a similar effect in treating fungal spinal infections. This case underscores the importance of considering fungal causes in spinal infections among diabetic patients and highlights prompt diagnosis and individualized targeted antifungal therapy.