Epidemiology:
Staphylococcus aureus (65%)
Immunosuppression (HIV, diabetes, alcohol use, old age)
Inoculating sources
Distant infection (cellulitis, joint/bone)
Spinal procedure (epidural catheter)
Injection drug use

Signs / symptoms:
Classic triad
Fever (~50%)
Focal/severe back pain
Neurologic findings (eg, motor / sensory change, bowel / bladder dysfunction, paralysis)
↑ Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

Diagnosis:
MRI of the spine with contrast
Blood & aspirate cultures

Treatment:
Broad-spectrum antibiotics (eg, vancomycin + ceftriaxone)
Urgent aspiration/surgical decompression

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