Spinal epidural abscess caused by a community acquired extended spectrum beta lactamase producing Klebsiella pneumonia

Abstract

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) can be a medical and surgical emergency. It is encountered in patients with epidural catheter placement, paraspinal injections, diabetes mellitus, alcoholism, HIV infection, trauma, contiguous bony or soft tissue infection, intravenous drug use, hemodialysis, or overt bacteremia, but may occur spontaneously associated with a presumed silent bacteremia. We report here, a case of extensive SEA due to a community-acquired extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in a diabetic patient. This case highlights the importance of stringent antimicrobial stewardship and also the need for prompt diagnostic evaluation, and early surgical decompression in order to prevent morbidity and mortality. Keywords: Abscess, Antimicrobial, Epidural, ESBL, Klebsiella, Stewardship