Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026
Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults
Published on: February 25, 2022
Septic arthritis of the knee by Salmonella montevideo
Efstathios Katsoulis1, Ann Pallett, Gavin W Bowyer
1Department of Surgery, Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull UK. stathiskatsoulas@hotmail.com
Abstract:
We describe a case of salmonella septic arthritis of the knee in a middle-aged woman with the following predisposing conditions: long-term corticosteroids and microscopic collagenous colitis. The patient presented with enteritis caused by the same strain 3 months before the arthritis. The first series of cultures were negative and the possibility of a chronic carriage of the disease was not suspected initially. The patient was treated with antibiotics and arthroscopic washouts; the corticosteroid treatment was maintained. There was a progressive clinical and microbiological improvement and the patient was discharged 3 weeks later. Salmonella montevideo is a rare form of salmonella and is known to be associated with tropical fishes, reptiles and imported species.
Insights
This case study details Salmonella septic arthritis in a woman with prior enteritis, highlighting risk factors like corticosteroid use and microscopic colitis. Salmonella montevideo, a rare strain, was identified, emphasizing the importance of considering chronic carriage.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Salmonella septic arthritis is a serious joint infection, often linked to underlying health conditions.
- Microscopic collagenous colitis and long-term corticosteroid use are identified as predisposing factors in this case.
- Salmonella montevideo is an uncommon serotype, frequently associated with imported food products and animals.
Observation:
- A middle-aged woman developed knee septic arthritis caused by Salmonella montevideo.
- The patient had a history of enteritis from the same bacterial strain three months prior.
- Initial cultures were negative, delaying the suspicion of chronic Salmonella carriage.
Findings:
- The patient received antibiotic therapy and arthroscopic washouts for the septic arthritis.
- Corticosteroid treatment was continued throughout the management of the joint infection.
- Progressive clinical and microbiological improvement was observed, leading to discharge.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering Salmonella septic arthritis in immunocompromised patients, even with initially negative cultures.
- The association with microscopic collagenous colitis and corticosteroid use warrants further investigation into potential links.
- Identifying rare Salmonella serotypes like S. montevideo is crucial for effective treatment and public health surveillance.
