Carolinas Research Day 2021

Clinical Case-Based Studies

02 Aeromonas Hydrophila and Klebsiella Pneumoniae Septic Arthritis in a Pediatric Patient

Kaitlyn Wright, OMS-IV, Daniel Schlepphorst, OMS-IV, Hanna S. Sahhar, MD, FAAP, FACOP

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Carolinas, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System

Abstract: Septic arthritis (SA) is a common infection in pediatrics and can be life-threatening if not managed appropriately and in a timely manner. In the pediatric population, it can lead to joint destruction or deformity due to increased vascularity of the metaphysis, which houses the growth plate. In this case study, we present a 17-year-old male with a penetrating wound to the knee without joint capsule injury due to a water sport injury. Initially, arthrocentesis for culture and sensitivity was not performed due to negative physical exam and imaging

of the joint. Days later, after abscess formation and persistence of infection despite empiric antibiotic use for typical SA pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, joint aspiration revealed infection due to Aeromonas hydrophila and Klebsiella pneumoniae. This case presentation shows the importance of arthrocentesis in diagnosis of potential SA, especially in cases where a rare pathogen, such as Aeromonas hydrophila, may be the culprit based on history or physical exam.

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