Periprosthetic joint infection with Ureaplasma parvum detected by 16S rRNA PCR

BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Mar 5;14(3):e239858. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2020-239858.

Abstract

Usual culture methods to identify pathogenic bacteria can be unsuccessful, particularly when working with fastidious organisms. We present a case of early periprosthetic knee joint infection with Ureaplasma parvum only identified using 16S ribosomal RNA PCR. This case represents the impact molecular methods of bacterial identification can have on clinical care allowing for more targeted antimicrobial therapy; something which is imperative in an era of increasing antimicrobial resistance.

Keywords: bone and joint infections; infections.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections* / diagnosis
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections* / drug therapy
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics
  • Ureaplasma / genetics
  • Ureaplasma Infections* / diagnosis
  • Ureaplasma Infections* / drug therapy
  • Ureaplasma urealyticum / genetics

Substances

  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S