Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 10, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Research on Candida albicans Biofilm-Associated Prosthetic Joint Infections
04:37

Author Spotlight: Advancing Research on Candida albicans Biofilm-Associated Prosthetic Joint Infections

Published on: February 2, 2024

1.4K

Sex-Specific Differences in Microbiological Patterns and Outcomes in Periprosthetic Joint Infection

Sophie Bapst1, Leonard Knoll1, Emanuel Francis Liechti2

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.

The Journal of Arthroplasty
|April 8, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study compared periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) in men and women. While overall outcomes were similar, women with Gram-negative rod infections experienced higher failure rates, highlighting sex-specific differences in PJI treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Sex-Specific Medicine

Background:

  • Periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) are a significant complication following joint replacement surgery.
  • The influence of biological sex on PJI etiology and treatment outcomes remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate sex-specific differences in microbiology and treatment outcomes for periprosthetic joint infections (PJI).
  • To provide a sex-specific perspective on the management and prognosis of PJI.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 294 PJI cases between 2015 and 2022, categorized by biological sex.
  • Comparison of microbiological data and treatment outcomes using appropriate statistical tests (Fisher's exact, Mann-Whitney U).
  • Infection-free survival assessed via Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank testing.

Main Results:

  • Women experienced a higher incidence of PJI caused by Gram-negative rods compared to men (18.8% vs. 5.9%).
  • No significant differences in overall infection failure rates were observed between sexes (25.3% in men vs. 26.8% in women).
  • Women with Gram-negative rod PJI showed a higher failure rate than men with the same pathogen.

Conclusions:

  • Overall treatment outcomes for PJI are comparable between men and women.
  • A notable exception exists for PJI caused by Gram-negative rods, where women exhibit a higher failure rate.
  • These findings underscore the importance of considering sex-specific factors in PJI management, particularly concerning Gram-negative infections.
Keywords:
Gram-negative rodsmicrobiologyoutcomeperiprosthetic joint infectionsex

More Related Videos

Novel Diagnostics in Revision Arthroplasty: Implant Sonication and Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction10:35

Novel Diagnostics in Revision Arthroplasty: Implant Sonication and Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction

Published on: December 3, 2017

11.7K
A Novel Method to Determine the Longitudinal Antibacterial Activity of Drug-Eluting Materials06:18

A Novel Method to Determine the Longitudinal Antibacterial Activity of Drug-Eluting Materials

Published on: March 3, 2023

2.0K

Related Concept Videos

Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract01:28

Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract

The human urogenital system, once thought to be sterile in healthy individuals, is now recognized as a complex microbial habitat. Advancements in molecular sequencing techniques have revealed that even in healthy adults, the kidneys and bladder harbor microbial populations similar to those found in the distal urethra, albeit in much lower abundance. These resident microorganisms, while generally innocuous, can become opportunistic pathogens under conditions that alter the urogenital...
43
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
14.7K
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance01:25

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within...
43
Surface Membrane Barriers01:18

Surface Membrane Barriers

The skin and mucous membranes serve as the primary line of defense against pathogens by providing both physical and chemical protection. These barriers are essential in preventing the entry and establishment of microbes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the host.
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
3.5K
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from...
41
Microbiome of the Eye01:22

Microbiome of the Eye

The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...
53