Parvimonas micraspondylodiscitis with psoas abscess

Abstract

Parvimonas micra(P. micra) is a Gram-positive anaerobic cocci, normally found in the oral cavity and rarely causes severe infections. We describe a rare clinical presentation ofP. micraas spondylodiscitis and psoas abscess with haematogenous spread in an adult patient. MRI lumbar spine detected L2 and L3 spondylodiscitis. Blood cultures were positive at 48 hours of incubation andP. micrawas identified on anaerobic culture after 72 hours. Isolates from bone biopsy confirmsP. micra. She was successfully treated with ceftriaxone, followed by oral metronidzole for a total of 8 weeks. The suspected origin of herP. micrawas a dental cavity. Anaerobic bacteria tend to be underestimated in spondylodiscitis. In cases of slow growing organisms, we emphasise the importance of performing accurate identification including anaerobic bacteria to guide management.P. micrashould be considered in patients with spondylodiscitis who had recent dental intervention or perioral infection.