INTERVERTEBRAL INFECTION CAUSED BY STREPTOCOCCUS-MILLERI - A CASE-REPORT

Intervertebral infection caused by Streptococcus milleri is described in a 45-year-old man. Initially, a tuberculous infection was suspected ; this diagnosis resulted in a considerable delay in correct diagnosis and treatment, The patient recovered well with combined medical-surgi cal treatment. Streptococcus milleri, a common inhabitant of the gastr ointestinal tract, comprises a variety of strains implicated in deep-s eated purulent infections. Although reports of this are rare, S. mille ri can be the offending organism in intervertebral disk infections.