Multifocal joint infection caused by Enterococcus gallinarum.

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Orthopedics
• Microbiology

Background:

• Musculoskeletal infections caused by Enterococcus gallinarum are uncommon.
• Enterococcus gallinarum exhibits increasing multi-drug resistance, posing a growing concern in clinical settings.
• This case highlights a rare instance of joint infection attributed to this pathogen.

Observation:

• An 81-year-old immunocompetent female presented with a multifocal joint infection.
• Diagnostic procedures included shoulder arthrocentesis and blood cultures, identifying vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus gallinarum.
• The patient was symptomatic prior to intervention.

Findings:

• The patient underwent surgical debridement followed by 8 weeks of ampicillin therapy (1000 mg IV every 6 hours).
• Clinical and laboratory findings showed significant improvement post-treatment.
• No recurrence of infection was observed during a 2-year follow-up period.

Implications:

• This case demonstrates a successful therapeutic approach for rare musculoskeletal infections caused by multi-drug resistant Enterococcus gallinarum.
• Early identification and appropriate antibiotic treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes.
• Further research into managing Enterococcus gallinarum musculoskeletal infections is warranted.