Spinal osteomyelitis-diskitis due to coinfection with malassezia globosa and streptococcus anginosus

Abstract

Malassezia is a lipophilic yeast that is a common colonizing organism of human skin. It is known to cause or contribute to a variety of dermatologic conditions, including dandruff, dermatitis, eczema, and pityriasis versicolor. Malassezia has also been associated with more severe infections and fungemia in adults and neonates, but almost exclusively in the setting of immunosuppression or central line infection or in those receiving lipid-containing parenteral nutrition. In this article, we describe the first case of spinal osteomyelitis-diskitis due to Malassezia globosa in an adult male without risk factors for invasive disease or dermatologic conditions associated with Malassezia. Streptococcus anginosus was also identified, indicating a dual infection. Copyright © 2012 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.