Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Spondylodiscitis In A Post Discectomy Immunocompetent Patient - A Case Report And Review Of Literature

Abstract

Infection with atypical mycobacteria are predominantly seen in immunocompromised patients.  In the absence of evidence of person to person transmission it was proposed that humans were infected from environmental sources via aerosols and contaminated water. Middle aged male with intractable pain around lower thoracic area of the body and both lower limbs. On evaluation, he was found to have extensive spondylodiscitis involving whole of lumbar spine and most of thoracic spine. The patient underwent a transpedicular biopsy of L1 and surrounding soft tissues. Drain fluid culture was done which revealed growth of atypical mycobacterium sensitive to Kanamycin. He was given antitubercular therapy and Kanamycin injection. Patient improved clinically and is walking without support now. There is no similar case of atypical mycobacterial infection resulting in spondylodiscitis of the entire lumbar spine and lower half of the thoracic spine reported in the literature to the best of our knowledge.