Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 15, 2026
Author Spotlight: Oral Candida Diagnosis to Advance Clinical Treatment Regimen for pSS Patients
Published on: March 1, 2024
Olecranon Bursitis Caused by Candida parapsilosis in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Carla F Gamarra-Hilburn1, Grissel Rios1, Luis M Vilá1
1Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR 00936-5067, USA.
Abstract:
Septic bursitis is usually caused by bacterial organisms. However, infectious bursitis caused by fungi is very rare. Herein, we present a 68-year-old woman with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis who developed pain, erythema, and swelling of the right olecranon bursa. Aspiration of the olecranon bursa showed a white blood cell count of 3.1 × 10(3)/μL (41% neutrophils, 30% lymphocytes, and 29% monocytes). Fluid culture was positive for Candida parapsilosis. She was treated with caspofungin 50 mg intravenously daily for 13 days followed by fluconazole 200 mg orally daily for one week. She responded well to this treatment but had recurrent swelling of the bursa. Bursectomy was recommended but she declined this option. This case, together with other reports, suggests that the awareness of uncommon pathogens, their presentation, and predisposing risk factors are important to establish an early diagnosis and prevent long-term complications.
Insights
Fungal septic bursitis is rare, but this case highlights Candida parapsilosis infection in a rheumatoid arthritis patient. Early diagnosis and awareness of uncommon pathogens are crucial for managing septic bursitis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
- Mycology
Background:
- Septic bursitis is typically bacterial, with fungal causes being exceptionally rare.
- Patients with chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis may be at increased risk for opportunistic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of fungal septic bursitis caused by Candida parapsilosis.
- To emphasize the importance of considering uncommon pathogens in septic bursitis, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
Main Methods:
- Aspiration of the olecranon bursa for analysis and fluid culture.
- Treatment with antifungal medications (caspofungin followed by fluconazole).
Main Results:
- Olecranon bursa fluid culture positive for Candida parapsilosis.
- Initial positive response to antifungal treatment, followed by recurrent swelling.
Conclusions:
- Candida parapsilosis can cause septic bursitis, particularly in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Awareness of rare fungal pathogens and predisposing factors is essential for timely diagnosis and effective management of septic bursitis.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...