Failure of PCR-Based IS6110 analysis to detect vertebral spondylodiscitis caused by Mycobacterium bovis.

Mycobacterium bovis is responsible for a zoonosis originating in cattle. We report a case of a man with vertebral spondylodiscitis caused by Mycobacterium bovis. Diagnosis was complicated because of the lack of IS6110. These strains are rare, but microbiologists should be aware of their existence.