Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 22, 2026
Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
Published on: May 23, 2021
A case of unusual septic knee arthritis with Brucella abortus after arthroscopic meniscus surgery
Keun Hwa Lee1, Hyunseong Kang2, Taejung Kim2
1Jeju National University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jeju, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
We present a 51-year-old male patient with Brucella abortus septic arthritis in the right knee following arthroscopic meniscus surgery. He had eaten a traditional dish of raw minced cattle conceptus (bovine fetus) that was prepared after the cow was slaughtered. Despite treatment with empirical antibiotics and debridement of the postoperative surgical wound, the infection persisted without improvement. Polymerase chain reaction sequencing identified Brucella abortus from tissue samples obtained from the patient. After confirmation of the diagnosis of brucellar infection, antibiotics were replaced with doxycycline and rifampin, which were used for 4 months. In patients with a non-specific arthralgia who eat raw meat or live close to animals, it is important to consider the possibility of septic arthritis due to infection with Brucella spp.
Insights
A rare case of Brucella abortus septic arthritis in the knee occurred after meniscus surgery. Prompt diagnosis and targeted antibiotics (doxycycline and rifampin) were crucial for successful treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Microbiology
Background:
- Septic arthritis is a serious joint infection that can lead to rapid joint destruction.
- Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella species, often associated with consumption of unpasteurized dairy products or undercooked meat.
- Postoperative infections following arthroscopic procedures require prompt diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Observation:
- A 51-year-old male developed persistent right knee septic arthritis after arthroscopic meniscus surgery.
- The patient reported consuming a traditional dish of raw minced cattle conceptus (bovine fetus).
- Initial empirical antibiotic treatment and surgical debridement failed to resolve the infection.
Findings:
- Tissue samples from the patient's knee were positive for Brucella abortus via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequencing.
- Diagnosis of brucellar septic arthritis was confirmed.
- Treatment was switched to doxycycline and rifampin for 4 months, leading to resolution.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering Brucella species in septic arthritis, especially in patients with relevant exposure history (raw meat consumption, animal proximity).
- Early and accurate diagnosis using molecular methods like PCR is vital for effective management of challenging septic arthritis cases.
- Physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for brucellosis in patients presenting with non-specific arthralgia and risk factors.
