A case report of native vertebral osteomyelitis caused by Cutibacterium modestum

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Abstract
Background: Cutibacterium modestumwas named in 2020.C. modestumwas previously calledPropionibacterium humerusii. Several implant-associated infections caused by Cutibacterium species have been previously reported, but native vertebral osteomyelitis due to these bacteria has rarely been reported.Case presentation: A 72-year-old man, who had previously received several nerve block injections for low back pain, was referred to our hospital for deterioration in back pain in the last 1 month. MRI findings were suggestive of L5-S1 vertebral osteomyelitis. Blood cultures and bone biopsy culture revealed the presence of Gram-positive bacilli. The isolate was identified asC. modestumby 16SrRNA gene sequencing. A diagnosis of vertebral osteomyelitis caused byC. modestumwas made. Minocycline followed by oral amoxicillin was administered for 3 months. His symptom improved and did not recur after treatment completion.Conclusion: A case of vertebral osteomyelitis caused byC. modestumwas encountered. AlthoughC. modestumis very similar toC. acnes, it could be accurately identified by 16SrRNA gene sequencing. This case represents the first documentedC. modestuminfection in humans.

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