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[Septic arthritis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae]
J C Aguilar1, M M Martínez, R Daza
1Servicio de Microbiología, Clínica Puerta de Hierro, Madrid.
Background:
Streptococcus pneumoniae is an uncommon agent of infective arthritis. In this report three cases of pneumococcal arthritis are described.
Methods:
Retrospective review of synovial fluids processed in our laboratory yielding bacteria. The study period was from January 1991 to December 1995. The clinical records of patients with the clinical and microbiological diagnosis of septic arthritis were reviewed.
Results:
Twenty-eight out of a total of 43 clinical records had the clinical and microbiological diagnosis of septic arthritis and three (11%) were caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. The infective source in two of these three cases was probably the respiratory tract, and the most common location was the knee.
Conclusions:
In our cases immunosuppression seemed to be the major risk factor involved in the development of pneumococcal arthritis.
Insights
Streptococcus pneumoniae is an uncommon cause of septic arthritis. Immunosuppression appears to be a key risk factor for developing this serious joint infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is an infrequent cause of septic arthritis.
- This report details three cases of pneumococcal arthritis.
Observation:
- A retrospective review of synovial fluids and clinical records from 1991-1995 was conducted.
- Septic arthritis cases were identified through microbiological analysis of synovial fluid.
- Three cases (11%) of septic arthritis were attributed to Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Findings:
- The knee was the most common joint affected by pneumococcal arthritis.
- The respiratory tract was the probable source of infection in two of the three cases.
- Immunosuppression was identified as a significant risk factor.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering Streptococcus pneumoniae in septic arthritis, particularly in immunosuppressed individuals.
- Suggests respiratory tract infections may precede pneumococcal joint involvement.
- Underscores the need for prompt diagnosis and management of pneumococcal arthritis.