Septic
polyarthritis associated to Streptococcus pneumoniae
pneumonia is rarely seen and deserves description. In the present report, the case of a 77-year-old man with a 3-day clinical history of
arthritis lacking anamnesis of
trauma is discussed. Physical examination showed inflammatory signs and elevated inflammatory parameters in blood samples. The patient experienced
pneumonia with blood cultures positive for S pneumoniae simultaneously. Arthrotomy revealed putride
arthritis with S pneumoniae in culture.
Therapy was initiated with intravenous
benzylpenicillin. Surgical drainage and frequent retesting managed the local
infection.
Antibiotics had to be changed according to the specific sensitivity to
ceftriaxone. Antimicrobial
therapy was given intravenously for a total of 6 weeks.On follow-up no inflammatory signs were observed after 4 and 9 months. A bistrategical approach with surgical drainage and frequent retesting and antimicrobial
chemotherapy may lead to a good result in the treatment of pneumococcal
septic arthritis.