A case of Enterococcus faecalis prosthetic joint infection: a rare and difficult infection to treat

Chelsea K Ching1, Susan L Fraser, Glenn W Wortmann

  • 1John A. Burns School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Hawai'i Residency Program, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA.

Hawaii Medical Journal
|December 13, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Enterococcus faecalis septic arthritis is a rare joint infection. This case report details a prosthetic joint infection caused by Enterococcus faecalis in an African American man.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Orthopedics
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Septic arthritis, an infection of the joint, is uncommon.
  • Enterococcus faecalis is a rare cause of septic arthritis, particularly in prosthetic joints.

Observation:

  • A case of Enterococcus faecalis prosthetic joint infection in an African American male is presented.
  • This infection occurred in a prosthetic joint, which is a very rare presentation.

Findings:

  • The study highlights the rarity of Enterococcus faecalis septic arthritis.
  • The case focuses on a prosthetic joint infection, a highly unusual scenario for this pathogen.

Implications:

  • This case contributes to the limited literature on Enterococcus faecalis joint infections.
  • Understanding rare pathogens like Enterococcus faecalis in septic arthritis is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
  • Further research may elucidate risk factors and optimal management strategies for these uncommon infections.

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