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Septic polyarthritis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae: primary pneumococcal pneumonia as a risk factor in older

Susanne Habelt1, Adrian Schwaller, Albert Hollinger

  • 1Spital Maennedorf, Surgery, Asylstrasse 10, Maennedorf, 8708, Switzerland.

BMJ Case Reports
|December 6, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This case report describes a rare instance of septic polyarthritis linked to Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia. Early surgical drainage and appropriate antibiotic therapy led to a successful recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Septic polyarthritis is a severe joint infection.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of pneumonia but a rare cause of septic polyarthritis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe a rare case of septic polyarthritis secondary to Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia.
  • To highlight the importance of a combined surgical and antimicrobial approach for successful treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a 77-year-old male patient.
  • Clinical presentation, diagnostic workup including blood and synovial fluid cultures.
  • Therapeutic interventions: intravenous antibiotics (benzylpenicillin, ceftriaxone) and surgical drainage.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with symptoms of pneumonia and polyarthritis.
  • Blood and synovial fluid cultures confirmed Streptococcus pneumoniae infection.
  • Successful treatment achieved with a 6-week course of intravenous antibiotics and surgical management.

Conclusions:

  • Septic polyarthritis associated with Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia is uncommon but serious.
  • A combination of surgical intervention and appropriate antimicrobial chemotherapy is effective in managing pneumococcal septic arthritis.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for favorable patient outcomes.

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