Delayed Complication of Near-Drowning Following a Car Crash: Spondylodiscitis by Scedosporium apiospermum: A Case Report.

CASE: A 20-year-old immunocompetent man developed spondylodiscitis 2 months after near-drowning with vehicular submersion. Scedosporium species identified in sputum during admission was initially considered colonization. Diagnosis was eventually confirmed through biopsy. Treatment with voriconazole was discontinued prematurely at 6 weeks due to an allergic reaction, but clinical recovery was favorable at 1-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Approximately 15 cases of Scedosporium apiospermum spondylodiscitis have been reported, with a minority occurring in immunocompetent patients following near-drowning. This case highlights that pathogens identified after submersion should not be dismissed as colonization, as delayed invasive infection may occur even in immunocompetent individuals.