Aspergillus infections of the lumbar disc spaces. Report of three cases.

Three cases of lumbar vertebral interspace infection due to the Aspergillus fungus are presented. Two patients responded to vigorous surgical therapy in combination with prolonged administration of antifungal agents. The third patient died of complications related to the antibiotic therapy. Possible etiologies of this unusual problem are reviewed in light of the changing spectrum of nosocomial and spontaneously acquired infectious processes. Combined aggressive medical and surgical therapy is discussed with respect to the known difficulties in eradicating deep-seated osseous mycotic infections.