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Case report: Salmonella infection following total hip arthroplasty

Paul Y Chong1, Scott M Sporer

  • 1Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.

Insights

A rare co-infection of Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella choleraesuis in a total hip arthroplasty was successfully treated with a two-stage exchange surgery and antibiotics. The patient showed no signs of re-infection 14 months post-operation.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common procedure, but susceptible to periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs).
  • Staphylococcus aureus is a frequent pathogen in PJIs, while Salmonella species are uncommon causes.
  • Co-infections in THA pose unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with a THA infection involving both Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella choleraesuis.
  • The clinical presentation and diagnostic workup confirmed the polymicrobial nature of the infection.
  • Salmonella choleraesuis infection of hip prostheses is exceptionally rare, with limited documented cases.

Findings:

  • A two-stage surgical exchange of the prosthesis was performed.
  • Post-operative treatment included intravenous vancomycin and ciprofloxacin.
  • The patient remained free from infection recurrence at a 14-month follow-up.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the possibility of rare bacterial co-infections in THA, even with unusual pathogens like Salmonella.
  • Effective management may involve aggressive surgical intervention combined with targeted antibiotic therapy.
  • Further research into the management of polymicrobial PJIs, particularly those involving Salmonella, is warranted.

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