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Updated: May 9, 2026
07:15
In vivo Macrophage Imaging Using MR Targeted Contrast Agent for Longitudinal Evaluation of Septic Arthritis
Published on: October 20, 2013
[Septic monarthritis caused by Sphingomonas paucimobilis]
G Dischereit1, M Burk, K Storck-Müller
1Institut für Sportmedizin, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Kugelberg 62, 35394, Gießen, Deutschland, gabriel.dischereit@sport.uni-giessen.de.
Zeitschrift Fur Rheumatologie
|August 8, 2013
Summary
Sphingomonas paucimobilis, a rare cause of septic arthritis, can be effectively treated with oral antibiotics and physical therapy. This case highlights successful management in an immunocompromised patient, avoiding surgery.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Sphingomonas paucimobilis, a Gram-negative bacillus, is an uncommon cause of septic arthritis, typically affecting immunocompromised individuals.
- Septic arthritis requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent joint damage and systemic complications.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old male with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presented with acute right knee pain, swelling, and erythema, suggestive of septic arthritis.
- Cultures identified Sphingomonas paucimobilis as the causative agent of septic arthritis in the patient's knee.
Findings:
- The patient received oral ofloxacin, tailored to his antibiotic susceptibility profile, alongside local physical therapy including analgesics and anti-inflammatories.
- This non-operative management led to significant symptom improvement, successfully resolving the septic arthritis.
Implications:
- This case demonstrates that septic arthritis caused by Sphingomonas paucimobilis can be effectively managed non-surgically.
- It underscores the importance of considering rare pathogens in septic arthritis, even in patients with comorbidities, and highlights the efficacy of targeted antibiotic therapy.
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