Orthopedic implant-related ESBL <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> infection post-ORIF surgery: a case report

Implant-related bacterial infection remains a major issue. Particularly caused by <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i>. A 35-year-old female, 3 months post open reduction and internal fixation for right cruris fracture, presented with infection symptoms. She underwent implant removal and surgical debridement. Microbiological samples from pus, infected tissue, and implant confirmed <i>K. pneumoniae</i> infection with Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase production. Post-surgery, she received meropenem for 5 days, followed by oral one-gram fosfomycin for 2 days. No signs of infection were detected within a week. Regardless of healing process is achieved; removing the implant will improve the outcome. The surface of implants is prone to bacterial colonization, which can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance. This paper presents a case of implant-related bacterial infection. Implant-related <i>K. pneumoniae</i> infection could lead to antimicrobial-resistant organisms that increase the probability of difficult-to-treat conditions. Removing the implant, combined with antibiotic delivery, could be the best approach.