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Isolated Lactobacillus chronic prosthetic knee infection
Orthopedics
|April 2, 2014
Summary
This case report details the first known instance of a chronic prosthetic knee infection caused by Lactobacillus. This finding highlights the potential for Lactobacillus to cause subtle, persistent implant infections, especially in at-risk patients.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Prosthetic joint infections are an increasing concern.
- Lactobacillus is a common bacterium in the gastrointestinal and female genital tracts.
- Lactobacillus is typically associated with bacteremia and endocarditis, rarely causing other infections.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old patient presented with a chronic prosthetic knee joint infection.
- The infection was caused by isolated Lactobacillus species.
- The patient had multiple comorbidities including diabetes, hepatitis, malnutrition, anemia, and liver failure.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of chronic prosthetic knee infection with Lactobacillus.
- The case suggests Lactobacillus may be an underrecognized cause of low-virulence prosthetic joint infections.
- The organism may potentially be vancomycin-resistant.
Implications:
- Further case series are needed to confirm Lactobacillus's role in prosthetic joint infections.
- Research into the risk of prosthetic joint infections from probiotic supplements is warranted.
- This case highlights the need to consider Lactobacillus in diagnosing subtle, chronic implant infections.
