Cutibacterium spp. isolated from orthopaedic implant-associated infection: A not-so-slowly growing organism

Abstract

Introduction: It has been reported that microbiological diagnosis of Cutibacterium spp. infection requires a prolonged incubation time (up to 14 days). We present our experience with regard to incubation time for detection of Cutibacterium spp. in orthopaedic samples over a 10-year period.

Methods: One hundred and nineteen samples were included in this retrospective study. Fifty-three were implants (having previously undergone sonication), 64 were periprosthetic tissue biopsies and two were synovial fluids. Atkins's criteria were used for interpreting the isolates. Quantification and number of days until a culture became positive for Cutibacterium spp. were evaluated.

Results: The median number of days to detection of a clinically significant isolate and a contaminant was 4 days. No clinically significant isolates grew after day eight.

Conclusion: Most clinically significant isolates of Cutibacterium spp. are detected in the first 7 days of incubation, although a recommendation of prolonged incubation (up to 14 days) appears to be necessary for detecting other organisms.

Keywords: Cutibacterium spp.; Diagnóstico infección articular; Incubation time; Infección de prótesis articular; Infection diagnosis; Prosthetic joint; Prosthetic joint infection; Prótesis articular; Tiempo de incubación.