Successful Treatment of Candida albicans Osteomyelitis of the Spine with Fluconazole and Surgical Debridement: Case Report

Abstract

A 65-year old diabetic male presented with progressive bone destruction of thoracic spine (T-11&12) with cord compression. Candida albicans was isolated from aspirated materials pre-and intra-operative. Two weeks of fluconazole was given prior to surgical debridement, and fixation of the lesion. C. albicans isolated preand 2-weeks after fluconazole treatment were DNA-typed using AP-PCR. MIC was 2-4 mg/l in all isolates tested. The pre-and post treatment isolates had two DNA patterns, indicating the existence of two different strains. Surgical treatment was necessary for patient recovery.