Prosthetic joint infection due to Mycobacterium moriokaense in an immunocompetent patient after a total knee...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Prosthetic joint infections (PJI) are serious complications following joint replacement surgery.
• Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are infrequent pathogens in PJI, predominantly affecting immunocompromised individuals.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing PJI.

Observation:

• This case report details a rare instance of PJI caused by Mycobacterium moriokaense.
• The affected patient was immunocompetent, presenting an atypical demographic for NTM PJI.
• The infection occurred subsequent to a total knee replacement procedure.

Findings:

• This represents the eighth reported case of PJI attributed to NTM globally.
• Crucially, this is the first documented case of NTM PJI in an immunocompetent host.
• Mycobacterium moriokaense was identified as the causative agent.

Implications:

• NTM PJI, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of suspected PJI, particularly with negative bacterial cultures.
• The diagnosis of NTM PJI in immunocompetent individuals expands the known clinical spectrum of these infections.
• This case underscores the importance of broad microbiological investigation in challenging PJI cases.