Mycobacterial Musculoskeletal Infections.

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Orthopedics
• Microbiology

Background:

• Mycobacterial infections, including tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacteria, are increasingly recognized causes of musculoskeletal infections.
• While tuberculous arthritis and osteomyelitis are ancient diseases, nontuberculous mycobacterial infections are more frequently diagnosed due to host susceptibility and diagnostic advancements.
• Mycobacterial bone and joint infections present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges despite medical progress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, risk factors, and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for musculoskeletal infections caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacteria.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of clinical presentations.
• Discussion of pathogenesis and risk factors.
• Overview of diagnostic modalities and treatment approaches.

Main Results:

• Mycobacterial infections can manifest in various ways within the musculoskeletal system.
• Specific risk factors contribute to susceptibility to these infections.
• Diagnostic approaches involve a combination of clinical, imaging, and microbiological methods.
• Treatment typically requires prolonged antimicrobial therapy, often with surgical intervention.

Conclusions:

• Mycobacterial musculoskeletal infections require a high index of suspicion for timely diagnosis.
• Multidisciplinary management is essential for optimizing outcomes.
• Further research into novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies is warranted.