Case Report: Successful Treatment of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection Due to Extensively Drug-Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae in a Kidney Transplant Recipient Using Chloramphenicol

Transplant Proc. 2023 Apr;55(3):654-659. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2023.02.019. Epub 2023 Mar 16.

Abstract

Effective therapies for multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms, especially Gram-negative bacteria, are becoming rare. Also, solid-organ transplant recipients are at high risk of MDR Gram-negative bacilli infection. Urinary tract infections are the most frequent bacterial infections in kidney transplant recipients and are an important cause of mortality after renal transplantation. We describe a case of complicated urinary tract infection in a kidney transplant patient due to extensively drug-resistant (XDR) K. pneumoniae treated successfully with a regimen comprising a combination of chloramphenicol and ertapenem. We do not recommend chloramphenicol as a first-line choice for treating complicated urinary tract infections. Still, we believe it is an alternative for infections caused by MDR and/or XDR pathogens in renal transplant patients, as other options are nephrotoxic.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Chloramphenicol / pharmacology
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae
  • Urinary Tract Infections* / diagnosis
  • Urinary Tract Infections* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Chloramphenicol