Group B streptococcal vertebral osteomyelitis with bacteremia

Group B streptococcal vertebral osteomyelitis is rare in adults. Osteomyelitis due to this organism is in general related to contiguous infections, recent surgery, or peripheral vascular disease. All reported cases of group B streptococcal vertebral osteomyelitis, however, have had no association with these predisposing factors and have usually been presumed to be of hematogenous origin, though bacteremia has never been demonstrated. Here we describe a 45-year-old intravenous drug abuser who had vertebral osteomyelitis and bacteremia. We conclude that the vertebral osteomyelitis in this patient was hematogenous, as shown by bacteremia, and most likely resulted from intravenous needle use.