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[Periprosthetic knee infection after a cat bite]
Dietmar Spelitz1, N Freund, M Halabi
1Abteilung für Orthopädie, Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Schwestern Ried, Am Schlossberg 1, 4910, Ried im Innkreis, Österreich, dietmar.spelitz@bhs.at.
Background:
Infections caused by Pasteurella multocida are extremely rare in arthroplasty. We report the case of a patient who was bitten by his domestic cat, causing an infection of his knee arthroplasty.
Diagnosis And Treatment:
The puncture of the knee resulted in putrid joint effusion. After removal of the knee prosthesis, infection with Pasteurella multocida was verified. We performed a two-stage revision combined with intravenous antibiotic therapy.
Discussion:
Infections caused by cats and dogs should attract more attention especially as prosthesis material represents a significant "locus minoris resistentiae". Patients with domestic pets should be informed about this source of infection and possible complications. In the case of a bite, prompt and liberal antibiotic treatment should be administered.
Insights
A cat bite led to a rare Pasteurella multocida knee arthroplasty infection. Prompt antibiotic treatment is crucial for patients with prosthetic joints and pets, especially after bites.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pasteurella multocida infections are exceptionally rare in patients with joint arthroplasty.
- Domestic animal bites, particularly from cats, can introduce pathogens into prosthetic joints.
Observation:
- A patient with a knee arthroplasty developed a severe infection following a domestic cat bite.
- Clinical presentation included a putrid joint effusion, necessitating prosthesis removal.
Findings:
- Infection was confirmed to be caused by Pasteurella multocida.
- A two-stage revision surgery combined with intravenous antibiotic therapy was performed.
Implications:
- Prosthetic joint infections from pet-associated bites require increased clinical awareness.
- Patients with domestic pets and arthroplasty should be educated about potential infection risks.
- Prompt and thorough antibiotic treatment is vital following animal bites in this patient population.
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