Spinal infection caused by Aspergillus terreus in immunocompetent individuals: a case report and literature review

Spinal infections, particularly those caused by <i>Aspergillus terreus</i>, represent complex and rare clinical challenges. They are even less common in patients with a normal immune system. This case report details the complex diagnosis and treatment process of a 52-year-old female with <i>A. terreus-</i>induced spinal infection. Diagnosis was initially delayed due to non-specific clinical manifestations and ambiguous imaging findings. After treatment with voriconazole (a targeted antifungal agent), the patient's clinical symptoms and imaging indicators improved significantly-this fully demonstrates the effectiveness of voriconazole in treating such specific fungal spinal infections. This case highlights that fungal infection should be considered in immunocompetent patients with suspected spinal infection, and emphasizes the importance of timely diagnosis and individualized targeted antifungal therapy.