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Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae septic arthritis.
Maria E Ruiz1, J Steuart Richards, Gail S Kerr
1FDA, Rockville, Maryland, USA. ruizm@cder.fda.gov
Arthritis and Rheumatism
|April 11, 2003
Summary
This case report details a rare instance of septic arthritis caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in a male patient. It is the first documented case of this specific bacterial arthritis in English medical literature.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a bacterium typically associated with animal infections.
- Septic arthritis is a serious joint infection that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Infective endocarditis is a heart valve infection that can lead to severe complications.
Observation:
- A male patient presented with symptoms suggestive of septic arthritis.
- Diagnostic investigations revealed the presence of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in the affected joint.
- The patient also exhibited signs concerning for possible infective endocarditis.
Findings:
- This case represents the first reported instance of septic arthritis caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in the English-language medical literature.
- The findings highlight the potential for Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae to cause invasive infections in humans.
- Co-occurrence with possible infective endocarditis suggests a complex clinical presentation.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in the differential diagnosis of septic arthritis, especially in patients with relevant exposures.
- Early recognition and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are crucial for managing Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infections.
- Further research is warranted to understand the full spectrum of human infections caused by this organism and its association with endocarditis.