Spondylitis following bloodstream dissemination of Mycobacterium chelonae disseminated in an immunocompetent patient: a case report and literature review

Non-tuberculous mycobacterial spondylitis is a rare spinal infection, especially among patients without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or other immune impairments. Because of its rarity and non-specific clinical manifestations, diagnosis is often delayed or missed. Here, we present a case of Mycobacterium chelonae spondylitis in an immunocompetent patient and review the relevant literature.