Surreal illustration of infected spine with bacteria colonies.

Spotting Spondylodiscitis: How to Recognize and Treat This Spinal Infection

Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Learn about the causes, symptoms, and effective treatment strategies for native spondylodiscitis in adults, ensuring early diagnosis and better outcomes."

Native spondylodiscitis (NS) is an infection that primarily targets the spine, often caused by common bacteria but sometimes by less frequent culprits like Brucella species or mycobacteria. While NS isn't widespread, its impact can be severe due to potential delays in diagnosis, extended hospital stays, and the risk of complications.

Recognizing the factors that contribute to NS, such as specific bacteria or underlying health conditions, is crucial for early detection and effective treatment. Understanding the clinical signs and identifying those at higher risk can lead to quicker interventions and improved patient outcomes.

This article will explore the key aspects of NS, drawing from a study conducted at a general hospital in Buenos Aires. We'll delve into the common causes, symptoms, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies for NS, equipping you with essential knowledge to understand and address this condition effectively.

Unpacking the Study: Key Findings on Native Spondylodiscitis

Surreal illustration of infected spine with bacteria colonies.

A study was conducted at a general hospital in Buenos Aires between 2011 and 2017 that looked at twenty-nine patients diagnosed with NS. The patient data collected included age, gender, infection location, complications, risk factors, and treatment outcomes, and was statistically analyzed using Epiinfo® 7.2.2.2.

The study revealed several important insights:

Most patients were men (76%).
The median age at diagnosis was 57 years.
The most common location of the infection was in the lumbar region (62%).
Most patients experienced back pain (96.5%).
A significant number of patients had local complications at the time of diagnosis (72.4%).
Diabetes was the most frequent risk factor (38%).
S. aureus was the most commonly isolated bacteria (45%), followed by Brucella spp. (10%).
The majority of infections were believed to have spread through the bloodstream (83%).
Blood cultures were positive in 62% of cases, while bone-biopsy cultures were positive in 59.8%.
The median duration of antibiotic treatment for pyogenic NS was 90 days.
Clinical resolution was achieved in 83% of cases.

The study highlights the importance of considering Brucella spp. as a potential cause of NS, especially in regions where it is more prevalent. Additionally, the high sensitivity of blood cultures supports their use in the initial management of suspected NS cases.

Key Takeaways: How to Improve NS Diagnosis and Treatment

Based on the study and current medical knowledge, early and accurate diagnosis is key to successfully treating native spondylodiscitis. Recognizing risk factors such as diabetes and considering less common pathogens like Brucella spp. are essential steps.

Given the high sensitivity of blood cultures, they should be a primary diagnostic tool. Bone biopsies, while useful, may have limitations due to technical factors, so clinicians should ensure optimal sampling techniques.

Ultimately, a high degree of clinical suspicion is necessary for timely diagnosis and treatment, which can significantly reduce the risk of complications and improve patient outcomes. If you suspect NS, seek medical attention promptly.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.ijid.2018.04.3751, Alternate LINK

Title: Native Spondylodiscitis In Adults: Six-Year Experience At A General Hospital In Buenos Aires

Subject: Infectious Diseases

Journal: International Journal of Infectious Diseases

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: H. Ludvik, F. Piñeiro, M.P. Amaya, M. Flor Montero, M. Jaume, M. Cabrini, D. Salusso, H. Pérez, M.J. Rolon

Published: 2018-08-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is Native spondylodiscitis?

Native spondylodiscitis (NS) is a serious spinal infection. It primarily affects the spine and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment strategies is crucial for effective management and better patient outcomes. This information is vital because delays in addressing NS can lead to prolonged hospital stays and potential complications.

What causes Native spondylodiscitis?

The main causes of Native spondylodiscitis (NS) include common bacteria like S. aureus. Less frequent causes can be Brucella species or mycobacteria. Recognizing these potential causes is vital for early detection and treatment. The study highlights the importance of considering Brucella spp. as a cause, especially in regions where it's more prevalent, guiding clinicians in their diagnostic approach.

What are the common symptoms of Native spondylodiscitis?

Common symptoms of Native spondylodiscitis (NS) include back pain, which was experienced by a significant majority of patients in the study (96.5%). Other factors to consider are local complications, which were present in a large portion of patients at the time of diagnosis (72.4%). Recognizing these signs and symptoms is critical for early diagnosis and intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes.

How is Native spondylodiscitis diagnosed?

Key diagnostic approaches include recognizing risk factors, such as diabetes, and considering less common pathogens like Brucella spp. Blood cultures were positive in 62% of cases in the study, and bone-biopsy cultures were positive in 59.8%, supporting their use in the initial management of suspected NS cases. Early and accurate diagnosis is key to successfully treating native spondylodiscitis, according to the study.

How is Native spondylodiscitis treated?

Treatment strategies for Native spondylodiscitis (NS) typically involve antibiotics, with a median duration of 90 days for pyogenic NS, as indicated by the study. The study also highlights that clinical resolution was achieved in 83% of cases. Early and accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for successful outcomes. Furthermore, recognizing the importance of considering less common pathogens like Brucella spp. can guide treatment choices, particularly in regions where these pathogens are more prevalent.