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A case of fungal arthritis caused by Hansenula anomala

Sung-Wook Choi1, Tong-Joo Lee, Myung-Ku Kim

  • 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Cheju National University Hospital, Jeju, Korea.

Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery
|March 2, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Fungal arthritis caused by Hansenula anomala (H. anomala) is rare, especially in immunocompromised patients. This case highlights the importance of considering H. anomala in septic arthritis, particularly in diabetic patients, for successful treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Hansenula anomala (H. anomala) is a yeast commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract and throat.
  • While H. anomala can cause opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals, fungal arthritis is an infrequent manifestation.
  • Septic arthritis is a critical condition requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Observation:

  • A 70-year-old male presented with symptoms suggestive of septic arthritis.
  • Initial treatment with antibiotics and surgery did not resolve the condition.
  • Repeated joint aspiration revealed fungal arthritis caused by H. anomala.

Findings:

  • Hansenula anomala was identified as the causative agent of arthritis in this patient.
  • Successful treatment was achieved using amphotericin B and fluconazole.
  • The patient's underlying diabetes may have been a contributing factor.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the need to consider rare fungal pathogens like H. anomala in the differential diagnosis of septic arthritis.
  • Early identification and appropriate antifungal therapy are crucial for managing fungal arthritis.
  • Diabetic patients with arthritis symptoms warrant careful evaluation for opportunistic fungal infections.
Keywords:
FungiHansenula anomalaInfectious arthritisKnee

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