Disseminated Penicillin-Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae Infection: A Case Report

TL;DR

A man was successfully treated for a rare, widespread infection caused by penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae using surgery and antibiotics.

Contribution

This is the first reported case of disseminated penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae causing joint, spine, and muscle infections.

Findings

The infection involved sternal, spinal, and muscular sites caused by penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Treatment with surgery and IV antibiotics led to clinical resolution with minimal long-term effects.

The case highlights the importance of tailored treatment based on pathogen and disease severity.

Abstract

An invasive pneumococcal disease involving sternoclavicular joint arthritis, lumbar spondylodiscitis, and muscular abscesses caused by penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae has not been reported previously. We successfully treated a 57-year-old man with this condition using surgical drainage and debridement, and laminectomy/fenestration, in combination with the administration of two IV antimicrobial drugs based on blood culture results. Clinical resolution was obtained after decompression of the lumbar spine, with minimal restriction of the left lower limb. This treatment approach should be considered depending on the pathogen, underlying host factors, and the severity of the disease.

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