Rhodococcus equi is a rare pathogen in humans causing infections mostly in immunocompromised hosts. We present the first case of periprosthetic joint infection caused by Rhodococcus equi. An 88-year-old male patient was referred to our clinic with a history of fever and right hip pain. The patient had multiple hip surgeries including total joint arthroplasty and revision for aseptic loosening on the right side. He was immunocompetent, but his additional medical history was remarkable for diabetes mellitus, diabetic nephropathy and stroke with hemiplegia resulting in immobilization. Radiography showed stable components, joint aspirate yielded Rhodococcus equi. Irrigation and debridement was proposed, but the patient refused any surgical intervention. Therefore antibiotic therapy was administered. At the last follow-up the patient is free of complaints but the C-reactive protein level is still elevated. This case illustrates the possible role of Rhodococcus equi in medical device-associated infections. Orv Hetil. 2017; 158(27): 1071-1074.
Keywords: Rhodococcus equi; periprosthetic joint infection; periprotetikus fertőzés; rare pathogen; ritka kórokozó.