Common infecting organisms include the following: In adults who are older, debilitated, or receiving hemodialysis: S aureus (methicillin-resistant S aureus [MRSA] is common) and enteric gram-negative bacteria In injection drug users: S aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Serratia species In patients with sickle cell disease, liver disease, or immunocompromise: Salmonella species Fungi and mycobacteria can cause hematogenous osteomyelitis, usually in immunocompromised patients or in areas of endemic infection with histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, or coccidioidomycosis.