MICROBIOLOGY AND ANTIMICROBIAL THERAPY OF SPINAL INFECTIONS

Hematogenous vertebral osteomyelitis and spinal epidural abscesses are generally monomicrobial infections. Staphylacoccus aureus is the most common microorganism isolated, although intravenous drug abusers freq uently yield Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antimicrobial therapy is generall y given parenterally for a minimum duration of 4 weeks, if the ESR has dropped to one-half of pretherapy value. Persistent ESR elevation, pr esence of abscesses, and more complicated clinical courses may dictate more prolonged therapy.