Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 6, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Research on Candida albicans Biofilm-Associated Prosthetic Joint Infections
Published on: February 2, 2024
Prosthetic joint infection caused by Candida lusitaniae: report of a unique case
Julia Bini Viotti1, Monica Corzo-Pedroza1, Jose Armando Gonzales Zamora1
1a Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine , University of Miami , Miami , FL , USA.
Abstract:
Background: Candida prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a rare complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The literature regarding its diagnosis and management is scarce. Case summary: We present the case of a 79-year-old woman with history of TKA and femoral intramedullary nailing, who developed PJI caused by Candida lusitaniae. A two-stage exchange arthroplasty was performed. She underwent implant removal, debridement and placement of temporary antibiotic impregnated spacer. Postoperatively, the patient received treatment with micafungin for 24 weeks. Eleven months after the first stage, the spacer was removed and a new knee prosthesis was placed. Complete eradication of infection was demonstrated by negative culture of cement spacer, synovial fluid and periprosthetic tissue. Histology of surgical samples was unremarkable. Empiric treatment with micafungin was given for 6 weeks after placement of the new prosthesis. At 6-month follow-up, there was no evidence of recurrent infection. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Candida lusitaniae PJI.
Insights
This case study details the first reported instance of Candida lusitaniae prosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Successful treatment involved a two-stage exchange arthroplasty and antifungal therapy.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Mycology
Background:
- Candida prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a rare but serious complication after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
- Limited literature exists on the diagnosis and management of fungal PJIs, particularly those caused by less common Candida species.
- This report addresses a specific case of PJI caused by Candida lusitaniae, a yeast not frequently implicated in orthopedic infections.
Related Concept Videos
Other Unique Bacteria
Second Uniqueness Theorem
In contrast, consider that the electric field is non-unique and apply Gauss's law in divergence form in the region between the conductors and the integral form to the surface...
Structural Joints: Synovial Joints
Structural Joints: Fibrous Joints
Suture
All the bones of the skull, except for the mandible, are joined to each other by a fibrous joint called a suture. The fibrous connective tissue found at a suture strongly unites the adjacent skull bones and thus helps to protect the brain and form the face. In...
Structural Joints: Cartilaginous Joints
There are two types of cartilaginous joints:
Synchondrosis
A synchondrosis ("joined by cartilage") is a cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage. Synchondrosis may be temporary...
Joints
Structural joint classifications are based on the material that makes up the joint as well as whether or not the joint contains a space between the bones. Joints are structurally classified as fibrous, cartilaginous, or synovial.
Fibrous Joints Are Immovable
The bones of a...

