Case Of Prosthetic Joint Infection Research Articles

Propionibacterium spp. in prosthetic joint infections: a diagnostic challenge

Propionibacterium species are common inhabitants of the skin and usually non-pathogenic for humans. However, Propionibacterium spp. can occasionally cause infections, but are estimated to play a minor role in prosthetic joint infections (PJI). The relative frequency of these anaerobes and their potential to cause surgical site infection may be clinically underestimated. An unknown proportion of these infections might be missed, since little is known about their clinical presentation, and since growth of Propionibacterium spp. in diagnostic samples is often interpreted as contamination. Thus, a hypothesis is being tested, stating that Propionibacterium spp. is not as rare as often reported, and it can cause severe soft-tissue damages in PJI. In this retrospective analysis, we reviewed all PJI that had been treated in our institution from 2000 to 2005, and assessed the relative frequency of those caused by Propionibacterium spp. In the identified cases, features that led to the diagnosis (clinical, laboratory, radiological, microbiological and histopathological characteristics) were analysed. Of 139 cases of prosthetic joint infections, 8(6%) were caused by Propionibacterium spp. Seven patients complained of pain as the main symptom, and four had damaged soft-tissue. Analysis of the diagnostic procedures showed a median of 39% positive samples out of all cultured biopsies (median 9.5 biopsies per case), with a median time-to-positivity of 8 days. Results of histopathological examinations of the periprosthetic tissue correlated well with the clinical courses. Our data suggest that Propionibacterium associated prosthetic joint infections occur at a relative frequency that is comparable to many other pathogens. Clinical signs are generally subtle, but the spectrum includes also significant soft-tissue damages. In this study, a median of 9.5 biopsies per case, an incubation time of 14 days, and the aid of histopathological examinations proved to be helpful in establishing the diagnosis.

Campylobacter fetus

Campylobacter fetus is an emerging human pathogen that causes a systemic febrile illness in patients with underlying medical conditions. Bacteremia is frequent and associated with a mortality rate of 17% to 43%, making proper diagnosis imperative. We present an unusual and rare manifestation of C. fetus, a case of prosthetic joint infection successfully treated by medical therapy alone.

Micromonas (Peptostreptococcus) micros: unusual case of prosthetic joint infection associated with dental procedures

Micromonas (Peptostreptococcus) micros is frequently associated with periodontal disease as well as respiratory, gastrointestinal and female genitourinary tract infections, but only rarely has been reported as a pathogenic agent of prosthetic joint infections. Here we describe a case of a 63-year-old woman with prosthetic joint infection of total hip arthroplasty caused by the anaerobic species Micromonas micros, associated with tooth extraction. Samples obtained intraoperatively and from the oral cavity were positive for the presence of M. micros by culture and by real-time PCR. This case report indicates that infections of prosthetic joints can be associated with dental procedures and that sensitive molecular techniques are necessary for their routine diagnostic.

Campylobacter fetus prosthetic hip joint infection: successful management with device retention and review

Infection is one of the most serious complications of joint prostheses and occurs in <2% of patients over the lifetime of the joint. Untreated infection at best leads to failure of the prosthesis and at worst to sepsis and death. The goal of treatment is to achieve a painless functional joint with the least possible morbidity. In many cases, this means removal of the prosthesis but that option may not always be the most appropriate for the individual patient. Few cases of campylobacter prosthetic joint infection have been reported so there is little specific information to consider in making management decisions. We present a case of prosthetic joint infection with Campylobacter fetus and review the international literature.

Outcome of penicillin-susceptible streptococcal prosthetic joint infection treated with debridement and retention of the prosthesis.

Debridement with retention of the prosthesis was the initial treatment modality for 19 cases of penicillin-susceptible streptococcal prosthetic joint infection that occurred in 18 patients who presented to the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota) during 1969-1998. All of the cases of prosthetic joint infection occurred >30 days after implantation of the prosthesis, which was well fixed at the time of debridement. The median duration of symptoms before debridement was 4 days (range, 1-10 days). Treatment failure (defined as relapse of infection with the original microorganism) occurred in 2 cases (10.5%) during a median follow-up period of 3.9 years (range, 0.3-21.7 years). The 1-year cumulative risk of relapse was 11% (95% confidence interval, 0%-26%). Relapse of prosthetic joint infection due to penicillin-susceptible streptococci after debridement and retention of the prosthesis is uncommon. For patients who present with a well-fixed prosthesis and a short duration of symptoms, debridement with retention appears to be an effective treatment modality.

Group C Streptococcal Infection in a Prosthetic Joint

We present possibly the first reported case of prosthetic joint infection due to group C Streptococcus in a 53-year-old man. The patient was treated with surgical debridement along with extended intravenous antibiotics and long-term oral penicillin therapy. He was able to retain the prosthesis and at 4-year follow-up had no symptoms or evidence of recurrent clinical infection.

Prosthetic Knee Septic Arthritis due toPseudomonas stutzeri

Prosthetic joint infection is usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci and, less commonly, by Gram-negative bacilli and anaerobes. A case of prosthetic joint infection due to Pseudomonas stutzeri in a 73-year-old female with acute promyelocytic leukemia is presented, and the pertinent literature is reviewed. Although the patient had prolonged neutropenia, the infection was successfully treated with antibiotics and without artificial joint replacement.