Lemierre syndrome complicating multiple brain abscesses caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae cured by fosfomycin and meropenem combination therapy

Abstract

A woman aged 56 years of age had a community-acquired left neck abscess and internal jugular vein thrombosis with septicemia due to extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. Even though she was treated with intravenous meropenem, the bacteremia persisted. She was complicated with multiple brain abscesses, seizure, and leucopenia. After a combination of intravenous fosfomycin and meropenem, her clinical condition became stable. Combination treatment was continued for 2 months and she recovered. In individual cases of Lemierre syndrome with brain abscess caused by ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae, fosfomycin combination therapy may be the alternative choice.