Rothia aeria vertebral discitis/osteomyelitis in an immunocompetent adult: Case report and literature review

Abstract

Rothia aeria is a gram-positive, pleomorphic bacteria forming part of human oral microflora usually only causing periodontal and dental infections. We describe the case of a 68-year-old immunocompetent male with lumbar vertebral discitis/osteomyelitis caused by R. aeria. A review of the literature demonstrated seventeen cases of non-dental R. aeria infection of which only six were in immunocompetent individuals. This is the first reported case of R. aeria vertebral discitis/osteomyelitis.

Keywords

• Rothia
• Rothia aeria
• Discitis
• Osteomyelitis
• Immunocompetent
• Micrococcaceae