Soaring suppurative sea shells from the sea shore: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae septic arthritis after a marine sea shell injury

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Microbiology

Background:

• Septic arthritis requires urgent diagnosis in acute monarticular arthritis cases.
• Marine-associated injuries present unique infectious risks.
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae are significant Gram-negative pathogens.

Observation:

• An eight-year-old girl sustained a knee injury from a marine sea shell.
• She subsequently developed septic arthritis of the knee.
• Cultures identified Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae as causative agents.

Findings:

• This is the first reported case of septic arthritis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae following a marine injury.
• The patient achieved good functional recovery after antibiotic therapy and arthroscopic irrigation.
• The case underscores the potential for severe infections from seemingly minor marine exposures.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider marine-related injuries in the differential diagnosis of septic arthritis, especially in coastal regions.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial and surgical management are crucial for favorable outcomes.
• Further research into the pathogenesis and treatment of infections from marine environments is warranted.