Polymicrobial polyarticular septic arthritis: a rare clinical entity

Scand J Infect Dis. 2001;33(5):381-3. doi: 10.1080/003655401750174084.

Abstract

Polymicrobial polyarticular septic arthritis is a rare clinical entity, with only a few cases having been reported to date. We report a case due to Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus in an IVDU, complicated by fatal streptococcal toxic-shock syndrome, and review the current literature. We conclude that whenever polymicrobial polyarticular septic arthritis is diagnosed, a high index of suspicion should be maintained for the detection of locally destructive infectious processes as well as systemic complications, and that a high mortality rate should be expected.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arthritis, Infectious / diagnosis*
  • Arthritis, Infectious / microbiology*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Shock, Septic / complications
  • Shock, Septic / microbiology
  • Staphylococcal Infections / diagnosis
  • Staphylococcal Infections / microbiology
  • Staphylococcus aureus / isolation & purification*
  • Streptococcal Infections / diagnosis
  • Streptococcal Infections / microbiology
  • Streptococcus pyogenes / isolation & purification*
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications