Fatal alveolar echinococcosis of the lumbar spine

J Clin Microbiol. 2013 Feb;51(2):688-91. doi: 10.1128/JCM.01906-12. Epub 2012 Nov 21.

Abstract

For the last 10 years, the southern part of Belgium has been recognized as a low-risk area of endemicity for alveolar echinococcosis. This infection, caused by Echinococcus multilocularis, usually induces a severe liver condition and can sometimes spread to other organs. However, alveolar echinococcosis involving bones has been described only very rarely. Here, a fatal case of spondylodiscitis due to E. multilocularis contracted in southern Belgium is reported.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Belgium
  • Biopsy
  • Echinococcosis
  • Echinococcosis, Hepatic / diagnosis*
  • Echinococcosis, Hepatic / drug therapy
  • Echinococcus multilocularis / genetics
  • Echinococcus multilocularis / immunology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / parasitology*
  • Lung / parasitology
  • Lung / pathology
  • Male
  • Radiography

Supplementary concepts

  • Alveolar echinococcosis