Case Report: Anaerococcus vaginalis spondylodiscitis diagnosed and cured based on nanopore targeted sequencing

TL;DR

A patient with severe back pain was diagnosed with a rare infection using nanopore sequencing and successfully treated with antibiotics.

Contribution

First reported case of Anaerococcus vaginalis spondylodiscitis diagnosed via nanopore targeted sequencing.

Findings

Nanopore targeted sequencing identified Anaerococcus vaginalis in a patient with negative culture results.

Appropriate antibiotic treatment led to a favorable clinical outcome for the patient.

The case highlights the utility of nanopore sequencing in diagnosing rare infections.

Abstract

Spondylodiscitis caused by Anaerococcus vaginalis has not been reported yet, making it worthy of further exploration. We closely monitored a patient who experienced worsened low back pain for 1 month and was unable to walk due to severe pain for 1 week. Through thorough examinations, the patient was diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation and a suspected case of spondylodiscitis, necessitating posterior lumbar surgery. All culture results returned negative. However, nanopore targeted sequencing (NTS) identified the presence of Anaerococcus vaginalis. Subsequent administration of appropriate antibiotics resulted in a favorable clinical outcome for the patient.

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