Delayed total hip arthroplasty infection with Mycobacterium Tuberculosis complex

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) is a common procedure, but joint infection remains a significant complication.
• Most THA infections are caused by Gram-positive bacteria, primarily staphylococci and streptococci.
• Atypical pathogens, including fungi and mycobacteria, can also cause THA infections, though less frequently.

Observation:

• This report details a unique case of a Total Hip Arthroplasty joint infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT).
• The patient had no prior history of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
• The diagnosis was made in the context of a prosthetic joint infection.

Findings:

• The study presents a rare case of Total Hip Arthroplasty joint infection attributed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• A comprehensive literature review was conducted to understand the context and management of such infections.
• The case underscores the importance of considering uncommon pathogens in prosthetic joint infections.

Implications:

• This case expands the differential diagnosis for prosthetic joint infections after Total Hip Arthroplasty.
• It highlights the potential for Mycobacterium tuberculosis to cause infection in immunocompetent individuals without a known history of tuberculosis.
• The findings suggest that diagnostic protocols for THA infections should remain vigilant for atypical microorganisms like mycobacteria.