Kosin Med J.  2016 Jun;31(1):79-85. 10.7180/kmj.2016.31.1.79.

Identification of streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis from septic knee by 16S rRNA gene sequencing

• Park JS
• Kim HW
• Chae JD
• Hur JW
• Park YS
• Yoo MS
• Ryu HY

• KMID: 2328721
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7180/kmj.2016.31.1.79

Abstract

Septic arthritis is the infection of a joint by an infectious agent, leading to arthritis. It is therefore important to identify and treat the correct bacteria in septic arthritis. However, accurate identification of bacteria by conventional methods is difficult because of the distinct biochemical characteristics of individual bacteria. This case report aims at assessing septic arthritis caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis(SDSE) using nucleotide sequences and discusses the associated treatment. Here, Streptococcus agalactiae was determined to be the causative bacteria for septic arthritis in a 77 year-old woman using the conventional method of hemolysis pattern interpretation and morphology. However, nucleotide sequence analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA revealed that SDSE was the causative strain. 16S rRNA gene sequencing can correctly identify bacteria strains that are difficult to be identified by traditional method, and this correct identification can provide patients with the opportunity for adequate treatment using the proper antibiotics.

Keyword

Equisimilis; Infectious arthritis; Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp.; 16S rRNA gene sequencing

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Arthritis
Arthritis, Infectious
Bacteria
Base Sequence
Female
Genes, rRNA*
Hemolysis
Humans
Joints
Knee*
Methods
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
Streptococcus agalactiae
Streptococcus*
Anti-Bacterial Agents
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1. Irregular thick enhancement of synovium with joint effusion (arrows) on an Axial T1-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) image of the left knee.

Reference

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