Extract
Fungal infections of the spine are uncommon and usually result from
hematogeneous spread of a primary
focus1.
Blastomyces dermatitidis has been described as a causative agent in
cases of vertebral
osteomyelitis2,3.
Most cases of blastomycosis osteomyelitis begin as primary fungal infections
of the lungs3.
However, traumatic innoculation, local extension, and lymphatic spread also
have been described as possible mechanisms of introduction of the fungi to
bone2. The long
bones are more commonly affected than the vertebral column
is4. Primary
cutaneous blastomycosis can
occur5, and many
other organ systems, including the genitourinary and central nervous systems,
can be
affected6.