Prosthetic Knee Joint Infection by Brucella melitensis

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Microbiology

Background:

• Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are severe complications of arthroplasty, requiring extensive treatment.
• Brucella species are an uncommon cause of PJIs, posing diagnostic challenges, especially in non-endemic regions.
• Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and improved patient outcomes.

Observation:

• A rare case of Brucella melitensis infection in a prosthetic right knee is presented.
• The infection was diagnosed seven years after the initial knee arthroplasty procedure in a 78-year-old male patient.
• Diagnosis was confirmed via serological studies and joint aspiration, highlighting diagnostic challenges in non-endemic areas.

Findings:

• The patient underwent a two-stage surgical intervention to address the prosthetic joint infection.
• A four-month course of targeted antibiotic therapy was administered.
• Post-treatment follow-up of 12 months showed no recurrence of infection, with the patient resuming daily activities.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering Brucella species in the differential diagnosis of prosthetic joint infections, even years after surgery.
• Successful management involves a combination of surgical debridement and prolonged antibiotic treatment.
• Effective treatment can lead to favorable outcomes, restoring function and quality of life for patients with rare PJIs.