Anti-infective therapy without antimicrobials: Apparent successful treatment of multidrug resistant osteomyelitis with hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Infections due to multidrug-resistant bacteria have spread in the world and cause significant morbidity and mortality [1]. Bone and joint infection due to multidrug-resistant bacteria has become a major problem, limiting the efficacy of targeted treatment and compromising outcomes. Indeed, antimicrobial options are limited and extensive surgical procedures are required. Adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) has been reported as an effective treatment in soft tissue infection caused by anaerobic bacteria, such as gas gangrene, necrotizing fasciitis and Fournier’s gangrene. HBO has also been extensively used to improve wound healing in the treatment of diabetic foot infections and osteitis [2]. We report an apparent successful treatment of OXA-48 type carbapenemase-producing K. pneumonia osteomyelitis with HBO without any concomitant antimicrobial.