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Published on: June 29, 2010
Genetically divergent Francisella philomiragia associated with septic arthritis, Montevideo, Uruguay
Nadia Riera1,2, Cecilia Salazar1,2, Bernardina Rivera2,3
1Microbial Genomics Laboratory, Institut Pasteur Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay.
Abstract:
Here we report a case of septic arthritis associated with a genetically divergent Francisella philomiragia strain in a patient with chronic rheumatoid arthritis and Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) in Maldonado, Uruguay. In this study mass spectrometry together with whole-genome sequencing using Oxford Nanopore technology allowed for the correct identification of the etiologic agent.
Insights
A rare septic arthritis case involved a unique Francisella philomiragia strain in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD). Advanced genomic and mass spectrometry techniques identified the specific bacterial cause.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
- Genomics
Background:
- Septic arthritis is a serious joint infection.
- Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) and rheumatoid arthritis are chronic inflammatory conditions.
- Francisella philomiragia is an uncommon cause of human infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of septic arthritis.
- To identify the causative agent in an immunocompromised patient.
- To characterize the Francisella philomiragia strain using advanced molecular techniques.
Main Methods:
- Case report.
- Mass spectrometry for microbial identification.
- Whole-genome sequencing using Oxford Nanopore technology.
Main Results:
- A genetically divergent Francisella philomiragia strain was identified as the cause of septic arthritis.
- The patient had co-existing chronic rheumatoid arthritis and Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD).
- The study was conducted in Maldonado, Uruguay.
Conclusions:
- Francisella philomiragia can cause septic arthritis in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases.
- Genomic and mass spectrometry methods are crucial for identifying atypical pathogens.
- This case highlights the importance of considering unusual bacterial agents in complex patient histories.
