Spinal Echinococcus multilocularis infection mimicking tuberculosis: a rare case of vertebral alveolar echinococcosis in China

Abstract Echinococcus multilocularis ( E. multilocularis ) infection can cause alveolar echinococcosis (AE), a zoonosis that rarely affects humans. Although the incidence of AE has increased substantially, its diagnosis remains challenging due to a lack of clinical manifestations and imaging findings specific to this disease. Here, we described a case of vertebral AE in an elderly male from south China, who was initially misdiagnosed as tuberculosis. After being diagnosed of E. multilocularis complicated with Serratia marcescen infections by metagenomic next-generation sequencing, the patient received anti-infective treatment, and his condition improved and was finally discharged. Hence, clinicians should increase their awareness of AE as a cause for vertebral lesions, except malignancy and tuberculosis.