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Campylobacter fetus septic arthritis: report of a case
Abstract:
We report a case of septic arthritis caused by the fastidious gram-negative rod Campylobacter fetus. We suggest that the organism may be part of the endogenous flora and that the clinical infections tend to occur in compromised hosts. Our patient is the first to be described with multiple myeloma and C. fetus septic arthritis. The documented cases of culture-proven C. fetus septic arthritis reported to date have occurred in three men and one woman, all in the seventh and eighth decades of life, with a mono-articular large joint distribution. The septic arthritis always occurred in previously injured joints and curiously enough need not be associated with a toxic-appearing patient. C. fetus infections are also associated with the signs and symptoms of clinical thrombophlebitis. We stress caution in establishing this diagnosis of phlebitis on clinical evaluation only and urge differentiation of true deep vein thrombophlebitis from pseudothrombophlebitis or dissected popliteal synovial cyst. This latter diagnosis may be made non-invasively by ultrasound techniques.
Insights
Septic arthritis can be caused by Campylobacter fetus, a rare bacterium. This infection often affects immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with multiple myeloma, and may present with thrombophlebitis symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Campylobacter fetus is a fastidious gram-negative rod.
- Septic arthritis is a serious joint infection.
- Compromised hosts are susceptible to C. fetus infections.
Observation:
- A unique case of septic arthritis caused by C. fetus in a patient with multiple myeloma is presented.
- Previous cases of C. fetus septic arthritis occurred in elderly individuals with large joint involvement, often in previously injured joints.
- C. fetus infections can mimic thrombophlebitis, necessitating careful diagnosis.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of C. fetus septic arthritis in a patient with multiple myeloma.
- The study highlights that C. fetus septic arthritis may not always present with a toxic-appearing patient.
- Clinical thrombophlebitis signs and symptoms are associated with C. fetus infections.
Implications:
- Campylobacter fetus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of septic arthritis, especially in immunocompromised patients.
- Distinguishing true deep vein thrombophlebitis from pseudothrombophlebitis or synovial cysts is crucial.
- Ultrasound can aid in non-invasive diagnosis of conditions mimicking thrombophlebitis.