Delayed presentation of prosthetic joint infection due to Listeria monocytogenes

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Microbiology

Background:

• Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) caused by Listeria monocytogenes are uncommon.
• L. monocytogenes PJIs typically occur via hematogenous spread and often affect immunocompromised individuals.
• Management strategies, including antibiotic therapy and surgical intervention, remain a subject of debate.

Observation:

• This study presents the seventh reported case of L. monocytogenes infection in a prosthetic joint in a non-immunocompromised patient.
• The patient's hip joint was affected, which is a common site for prosthetic joint infections.
• The infection route was presumed to be hematogenous.

Findings:

• Listeria monocytogenes can cause prosthetic joint infections even in non-immunocompromised individuals.
• Ampicillin is often considered the first-choice antibiotic, though optimal treatment is not definitively established.
• Prosthetic hip infections are more common than prosthetic knee infections in cases of L. monocytogenes.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of L. monocytogenes as a pathogen in prosthetic joint infections, particularly in the non-immunocompromised population.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific risk factors and optimal treatment protocols for L. monocytogenes prosthetic joint infections.
• Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for L. monocytogenes in patients with prosthetic joint infections, regardless of immune status.