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Published on: February 9, 2011

Brevundimonas vesicularis septic arthritis in an immunocompetent child

Yael Sofer1, Samra Zmira, Jacob Amir

  • 1Department of Pediatrics C, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tiqva 49202, Israel.

European Journal of Pediatrics
|August 31, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Septic arthritis can rapidly destroy joints. This case report details a toddler’s shoulder infection caused by Brevundimonas vesicularis, a rare pathogen, successfully treated with cefuroxime.

Area of Science:

  • Medical microbiology
  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Orthopedic surgery

Background:

  • Septic arthritis is a severe joint infection, often caused by common bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Identifying the causative agent is crucial for effective treatment, especially in pediatric cases.
  • Brevundimonas vesicularis is an uncommon pathogen, rarely implicated in human infections.

Observation:

  • A previously healthy toddler presented with septic arthritis affecting the shoulder joint.
  • Cultures identified Brevundimonas vesicularis as the causative microorganism.
  • This represents the first reported human infection with B. vesicularis causing septic arthritis.

Findings:

  • Prompt administration of cefuroxime led to a complete recovery in the affected child.
  • The case highlights B. vesicularis as a potential pathogen in pediatric septic arthritis.
  • This is the first documented instance of B. vesicularis infection in an immunocompetent child.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider a broader range of microorganisms, including B. vesicularis, in pediatric septic arthritis cases.
  • Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are key to favorable outcomes.
  • This finding expands the known spectrum of B. vesicularis pathogenicity.

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