19th February 2024

A 43-year-old female presents with multilevel discitis with a multi-drug resistant organism

A 43-year-old female presents with multilevel discitis with a multi-drug resistant organism. She was commenced on meropenem as per cultures and sensitivities. During the first week of her treatment, she appeared to improve clinically.

She noticed a low-grade fever, general malaise, and fatigue in the second and third weeks. Blood tests at this time showed a leucocytosis with eosinophilia. She had mildly deranged liver function tests. This progressed into a widespread maculopapular rash and facial swelling throughout most of her body at week 4 of her treatment.

Given the likely diagnosis, which hypersensitivity reaction is the underlying pathogenesis for this condition?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.