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Published on: December 3, 2017
Sonication Fluid Isolation of Peptoniphilus asaccharolyticus After Total Hip Arthroplasty
Michail Sarantis1, Chrisa Argyrou1, Dimitrios Tzefronis1
14th Orthopaedic Department, KAT General Hospital, Athens, GRC.
Abstract:
Peptoniphilus asaccharolyticus is a gram-positive anaerobic coccus found on the skin, vagina, and gut, where it acts as an opportunistic pathogen or as part of polymicrobial infections of chronic wounds or diabetic ulcers. We present a case of a 68-year-old woman who was diagnosed with a late prosthetic hip arthroplasty infection caused by P. asaccharolyticus and isolated from sonication fluid cultures. Despite the fact that evidence is scarce, its role and pathogenicity in more severe infections should not be underestimated.
Insights
Peptoniphilus asaccharolyticus, an anaerobic bacterium, can cause severe infections like prosthetic joint infections. This case highlights its potential pathogenicity in complex medical scenarios.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Peptoniphilus asaccharolyticus is a gram-positive anaerobic coccus residing on human skin, vagina, and gut.
- It is recognized as an opportunistic pathogen and a component of polymicrobial infections, particularly in chronic wounds and diabetic ulcers.
Observation:
- A case report details a 68-year-old woman with a late prosthetic hip arthroplasty infection.
Findings:
- The infection was caused by Peptoniphilus asaccharolyticus, identified through sonication fluid cultures.
- This finding suggests P. asaccharolyticus can be implicated in severe prosthetic joint infections.
Implications:
- The pathogenicity of P. asaccharolyticus in severe infections warrants further investigation despite limited current evidence.
- Clinicians should consider this bacterium in the differential diagnosis of prosthetic joint infections, especially in polymicrobial cases.
