J Rheum Dis.  2012 Oct;19(5):295-298. 10.4078/jrd.2012.19.5.295.

A Case of Prosthetic Knee Joint Infection Caused by Streptococcus agalactiae

• Lee SH
• Lee WH
• Heo JW
• Choi JW
• Jung CM
• Oh WS
• Moon KW

• KMID: 1438540
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4078/jrd.2012.19.5.295

Abstract

Recently the incidence of Group B streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) infection has been increased in nonpregnant adults, especially including the elderly and those with underlying diseases. One year ago, a 72-year-old diabetic woman underwent both total knee replacement and then received intermittently acupuncture due to both knee pain. Five days ago, she developed painful swelling on right knee joint. The synovial fluid showed leukocytosis (WBC 8,200/mm3), she was diagnosed as prosthetic joint infection, and treated with cefazolin. Her condition was rapidly aggravated despite of antibiotics therapy, open debridement and drainage was performed. But she expired due to sepsis. Both blood and synovial fluid culture yielded S. agalactiae. We reported a case of prosthetic knee joint infection caused by S. agalactiae.

Keyword

Streptococcus agalactiae; Prosthetic knee infection

MeSH Terms

Acupuncture
Adult
Aged
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee
Cefazolin
Debridement
Drainage
Female
Humans
Incidence
Joints
Knee
Knee Joint
Leukocytosis
Sepsis
Streptococcus
Streptococcus agalactiae
Synovial Fluid
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Cefazolin

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 Both knee X-rays showed no signs of infection such as loosening, or osteolysis. (A) Right knee and (B) left knee X-rays.

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  Figure 2 The synovial fluid aspirated from left knee was turbid and purulent.

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