Candida vertebral osteomyelitis in the setting of effectively treated candidaemia: A Case Report

Candida vertebral osteomyelitis (CVO) is a rare and frequently misdiagnosed condition which can be complicated with neurological deficits. The incidence of CVO has risen, particularly among patients predisposed by immune suppression, resulting in candidaemia that leads to haematogenous seeding of the vertebrae. Here, we report a case of CVO in a patient with chronic kidney disease, on regular haemodialysis via a central venous catheter, who had a recent history of effectively treated central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) due to Candida parapsilosis. She presented with lower back pain and fever, and culture of aspiration biopsy yielded Candida parapsilosis. The patient was successfully managed with nine months of antifungal therapy. This case report emphasises the occurrence of CVO following effectively treated Candida CLABSI and highlights the importance of establishing the fungal aetiological agent of vertebral osteomyelitis in patients with risk factors that require prolonged antifungal therapy.