Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
Combined In vivo Optical and µCT Imaging to Monitor Infection, Inflammation, and Bone Anatomy in an Orthopaedic Implant Infection in Mice
Published on: October 16, 2014
Infection of a knee prosthesis with Tsukamurella species
1Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, USA.
Abstract:
A 69-year-old woman with a history of multiple infections of a postoperative wound from a knee replacement was diagnosed with an infection with Tsukamurella sp. The infection was treated with a course of vancomycin and pipercillin/tazobactam, followed by a course of clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin, and ethambutol. The patient responded well. This represents the first report of a Tsukamurella infection of an artificial joint.
Insights
A rare Tsukamurella bacterial infection occurred in a patient with an artificial knee joint. Effective treatment involved multiple antibiotics, leading to a positive patient outcome.
Area of Science:
- Medical microbiology
- Infectious diseases
- Orthopedic surgery
Background:
- Tsukamurella species are rare causes of human infection.
- Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) pose significant treatment challenges.
Observation:
- A 69-year-old woman presented with recurrent wound infections following knee replacement surgery.
- Cultures identified Tsukamurella sp. as the causative agent.
Findings:
- The patient received a combination antibiotic regimen including vancomycin, piperacillin/tazobactam, clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin, and ethambutol.
- Successful treatment of the Tsukamurella infection was achieved.
Implications:
- This case is the first documented instance of Tsukamurella infection associated with an artificial joint.
- Highlights the importance of considering unusual pathogens in prosthetic joint infections.
- Informs potential therapeutic strategies for similar rare infections.
