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Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults
Published on: February 25, 2022
Septic arthritis due to Streptococcus sanguis
Inga Mandac1, Ingrid Prkacin, Mirjana Sabljar Matovinović
1"Merkur, University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia. imandac@yahoo.com
Collegium Antropologicum
|August 12, 2010
Summary
This case study highlights a rare instance of septic arthritis caused by Streptococcus sanguis, a viridans group streptococcus. Prompt diagnosis and antibiotic treatment led to patient recovery, emphasizing the importance of considering oral pathogens in joint infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Septic arthritis, a joint infection, can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, with bacterial pathogens posing the most significant threat due to their destructive potential.
- Viridans group streptococci, including Streptococcus sanguis, are uncommon causes of septic arthritis in native joints.
Observation:
- A 56-year-old male presented with fever of unknown origin, significant weight loss, anemia, and right sternoclavicular joint pain and swelling.
- Computerized tomography revealed soft tissue widening and cortical loss in the affected joint.
- Synovial fluid analysis showed a high polymorphonuclear leukocyte count, while Gram stain was negative.
Findings:
- Blood cultures identified Streptococcus sanguis, prompting investigation into a potential oral source.
- Stomatologic examination confirmed periapical osteitis, leading to tooth extraction.
- The patient improved clinically and in laboratory parameters after treatment with penicillin.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering oral infections, particularly periodontal disease, as a potential source of septic arthritis.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are crucial for managing septic arthritis caused by rare pathogens like Streptococcus sanguis.
- The findings contribute to the differential diagnosis of septic arthritis, especially in patients with risk factors for oral infections.
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