Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
Novel Diagnostics in Revision Arthroplasty: Implant Sonication and Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
Published on: December 3, 2017
Infected total knee arthroplasty due to postoperative wound contamination with Pasteurella multocida
Bala Subramanian1, Edward Holloway, Robert Townsend
1Department of Microbiology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield, UK.
Abstract:
Pasteurella multocida is a small Gram-negative bacterium comprising part of the normal gastrointestinal and nasopharyngeal flora of domestic pets, such as dogs and cats. It rarely causes infection in humans. Previous reports of P multocida causing prosthetic joint infection have described either haematogenous spread of infection from a distant site through a scratch or bite, or reactivation of infection from a previous injury. We report a case of acute total knee arthroplasty joint infection becoming acutely infected by P multocida. We postulate that the mechanism of infection was direct contamination of the wound as a consequence of the patient being licked by his pet dog. We discuss the potential role played by thromboprophylaxis as a factor contributing to prolonged wound leak.
Insights
A dog lick may have caused a knee replacement infection by Pasteurella multocida, a bacteria common in pets. This case highlights a rare transmission route for prosthetic joint infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Pasteurella multocida is a Gram-negative bacterium found in the respiratory and digestive tracts of domestic animals.
- Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are serious complications following joint replacement surgery.
- Human infections from P. multocida are rare, typically occurring via bites or scratches.
Observation:
- A patient developed an acute infection in a total knee arthroplasty.
- The infecting organism was identified as Pasteurella multocida.
- The patient owned a pet dog, and direct wound contamination via animal saliva was suspected.
Findings:
- This case suggests direct oral-to-wound contamination from a pet dog as a potential mechanism for P. multocida prosthetic joint infection.
- The infection occurred acutely after total knee arthroplasty.
- Prolonged wound leak was noted, with thromboprophylaxis considered a potential contributing factor.
Implications:
- Highlights a rare but plausible route of zoonotic transmission of P. multocida to prosthetic joints.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering animal contact in the etiology of PJIs, especially in cases with unusual pathogens.
- Suggests vigilance for wound complications in patients on thromboprophylaxis after arthroplasty.
