Campylobacter prosthetic joint infection

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Microbiology

Background:

• Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are serious complications following joint replacement surgery.
• Early and accurate diagnosis of PJIs is critical for effective treatment and patient outcomes.

Observation:

• A 75-year-old male presented with a probable Campylobacter jejuni prosthetic knee infection.
• The patient experienced a preceding diarrheal illness, a common symptom associated with Campylobacter infections.

Findings:

• Standard joint aspirate and operative cultures were negative for bacterial growth.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing of prosthesis sonicate fluid was positive for Campylobacter jejuni.
• Stool culture also confirmed the presence of Campylobacter jejuni.

Implications:

• This case highlights the diagnostic utility of PCR on sonicate fluid for detecting PJIs when conventional cultures fail.
• Campylobacter jejuni should be considered in the differential diagnosis of PJIs, particularly in patients with a history of diarrhea.
• Review of 19 additional literature cases supports Campylobacter as a causative agent of PJIs.