Aetiology of vertebral osteomyelitis in adults

In adults with vertebral osteomyelitis, Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen. However, other pathogens may be seen, including coagulase-negative staphylococci, beta-haemolytic streptococci, enterococci and Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes). Approximately 20% of cases are caused by gram-negative organisms, including Enterobacterales (eg Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae) and Pseudomonas species. Rare pathogens include Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Salmonella species, Brucella species and fungi including CandidaGentile, 2019.