Which microorganisms commonly cause osteomyelitis?

Osteomyelitis is an infection of bone tissue caused by various microorganisms. The condition is most commonly caused by pus-forming (pyogenic) bacteria, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most frequent infectious agent.12

Additionally, Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a known cause of bone infection, which is almost always hematogenous in origin, typically spreading from primary lesions in the lungs or kidneys.2

Microorganisms generally reach the bone through two primary routes:
* Hematogenous spread: Bacteria travel through the bloodstream from an existing infection elsewhere in the body, such as the skin, urogenital tract, lungs, or upper respiratory tract.12
* Direct introduction: Microorganisms enter the bone directly through an open fracture, a local injury, or during surgical procedures.12

In some cases, osteomyelitis may also occur as a secondary complication of other systemic diseases, including syphilis, typhoid, or sickle cell anemia.1