Bilateral Knee Infectious Arthritis Caused by Proteus mirabilis Mimicking Reactive Arthritis in an Elderly Patient

Yang Li1, Dongjie Du2, Fenghua Wen1

  • 1The Third Department of Oncology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050051, People's Republic of China.

Abstract

Insights

Infectious arthritis caused by Proteus mirabilis is rare in older adults and can mimic reactive arthritis. Early imaging and microbiological assessment are crucial for accurate diagnosis and improved outcomes in elderly cancer patients.

Area of Science:

  • Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Infectious arthritis is a serious condition in older adults, often presenting atypically and leading to misdiagnosis.
  • Proteus mirabilis is an uncommon cause of infectious arthritis, with symptoms that can resemble reactive arthritis, especially in immunocompromised or cancer patients.

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