Septic Arthritis of the Hip Joint Secondary to Haemophilus Influenza in Immunized Teenager: A Case Report

Abstract

Septic arthritis is an infection to one joint or more that mainly happens after a hematogenous spread of an infection causing inflammation to the joint. Large joints such as hip and knee are more commonly affected, however, septic arthritis can happen in any other joints such as shoulders and ankles. Staphylococcus aureus is the most frequently isolated pathogen in this condition; however, other bacteria, viruses, fungi, and mycobacterium can also cause septic arthritis. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is the most common subtype of Haemophilus influenza and is primarily affecting children and those with compromised immune systems. Haemophilus influenza usually causes lower respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia. In addition, they can induce numerous other severe infections, such as bacteremia, empyema, meningitis, cellulitis, and septic arthritis. The Hib conjugate vaccine has significantly reduced the incidence of Hib infections and is effective in protecting against capsular polysaccharide type b. the CDC recommends administering a conjugate Hib vaccine series beginning at age 2 months, or 6 weeks followed by boosters at age of12 to 15 months. In this article, we are reporting a unique case of hip septic joint in a fully vaccinated teenager, and it is the first case reported in the literature to our knowledge.