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Imaging InlC Secretion to Investigate Cellular Infection by the Bacterial Pathogen Listeria monocytogenes
Published on: September 19, 2013
Review of Prosthetic Joint Infection from Listeria monocytogenes
Gilbert Bader1, Mohammed Al-Tarawneh2, James Myers2
11 Division of Internal Medicine, East Tennessee State University , Johnson City, Tennessee.
Background:
Prosthetic joint infection from Listeria monocytogenes is rare. We decided to shed light on this illness and review the reported cases to better understand its characteristics.
Patients And Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive review of the English literature using PubMed. We also included one case that we had managed.
Results:
We found 25 cases of prosthetic joint infection from L. monocytogenes reported individually and a retrospective study of 43 cases of joint and bone listerial infection, including 34 with prosthetic joint infection, conducted in France. We have described their clinical and para-clinical features and tried to elaborate on the pathophysiology, treatment, and prevention.
Conclusion:
Prosthetic joint infection from L. monocytogenes is mainly late. Systemic inflammation may be absent. Although rare, it must be suspected in patients at high risk for both prosthetic joint and listerial infections. In addition, those patients must be instructed on appropriate preventive measures.
Insights
Prosthetic joint infections caused by Listeria monocytogenes are rare but typically occur late. High-risk patients require awareness and preventive measures for Listeria monocytogenes joint infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Microbiology
Background:
- Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are uncommon complications following joint replacement surgery.
- Listeria monocytogenes is a rare causative agent of PJIs, presenting unique clinical challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the clinical and para-clinical features of PJIs caused by Listeria monocytogenes.
- To review existing literature and case reports to understand this rare infection.
- To elaborate on the pathophysiology, treatment, and prevention strategies for Listeria monocytogenes PJIs.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive review of English literature was performed using PubMed.
- One additional case managed by the authors was included in the analysis.
- Data from individual case reports and a retrospective study of listerial bone and joint infections were synthesized.
Main Results:
- A total of 25 individually reported cases and data from a French retrospective study (34 PJIs) were analyzed.
- Listeria monocytogenes PJIs are predominantly late-onset infections.
- Clinical presentation may lack systemic inflammatory signs.
Conclusions:
- Listeria monocytogenes prosthetic joint infection is typically a late complication.
- Systemic inflammation may be absent, making diagnosis challenging.
- Patients at high risk for both prosthetic joint and listerial infections should be educated on preventive measures.
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