The significance of Klebsiella pneumoniae spondylodiscitis in the Indian context

A rare case of spontaneous spondylodiscitis caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae in a 37-years-old man who presented with radiating low back pain is described in this case report. Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein level were pertinent laboratory findings. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a paravertebral epidural collection at the L5–S1 level of the spine suggestive of spondylodiscitis. Repeated spinal surgeries and HBsAg seropositive status were the risk factors in this patient. Pus from the epidural abscess on culture grew Klebsiella pneumoniae. He was treated with an intravenous antimicrobial combination of meropenem and levofloxacin which resulted in disappearance of the pain. Extended infusion of meropenem played a key role in the prompt recovery. Two months later, MRI showed substantial improvement of the lesions.