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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
04:37
A Periprosthetic Joint Candida albicans Infection Model in Mouse
Published on: February 2, 2024
[Prosthetic joint infection by Candida spp.].
E García-Oltra1, S García-Ramiro, J C Martínez
1Servicio de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología. Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Spain.
Summary
Fungal prosthetic joint infections are rare and challenging to treat. This study found that fluconazole treatment combined with debridement or joint replacement had a high failure rate in Candida spp. infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Mycology
Context:
- Fungal periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a rare but serious complication following joint replacement surgery.
- Candida species are an uncommon cause of PJI, often associated with prior bacterial infections and multiple surgeries.
Purpose:
- To review the experience and outcomes of treating prosthetic joint infections caused by Candida species in two educational hospitals.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of fluconazole-based antifungal therapy and surgical interventions for fungal PJI.
Summary:
- Ten patients with Candida spp. PJI were retrospectively analyzed. The most common species was Candida albicans.
- All patients received fluconazole and surgical management (debridement or 2-stage exchange). Initial treatment failed in all cases, necessitating further interventions.
- Outcomes were poor, with only two patients achieving infection-free status after a mean follow-up of 31 months.
Impact:
- This study highlights the difficulty in treating fungal PJI, particularly with Candida species.
- Current treatment strategies involving fluconazole and surgical debridement or replacement show a high failure rate.
- Findings suggest a need for novel therapeutic approaches for fungal periprosthetic joint infections.
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