A Rare Case of Joint Infection due to Raoultella planticola

Abstract

Abstract Raoultella planticola, a gram-negative bacterium, first emerged in late 1900s as Klebsiella planticola. It was later classified as Raoultella genus in 2001. This nonmotile rod is usually found in soil and aquatic environment. There are two known species of Raoultella: R. planticola and R. ornithinolytica. They are responsible for numerous yet rare infections including cystitis, pneumonia, and bacteremia. To date, only one case of joint or bone infection due to R. planticola has been reported. The infection is eradicated after arthroscopic lavage and antibiotic therapy with fluoroquinolones. We present the first case of septic arthritis due to R. planticola involving a native knee joint following synovectomy during arthroscopy.