Brucella melitensis prosthetic joint infection.

Abstract

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) due to Brucella spp. is rare. We report a case in a 75-year-old man and review 29 additional cases identified in a literature search. The diagnosis of Brucella PJI is challenging, in particular in non-endemic countries. Serological tests prior to joint aspiration or surgical intervention are reasonable. Involvement of infection control and timely information to laboratory personnel is mandatory upon diagnosis. There is no uniform treatment concept, neither with respect to surgical intervention nor for the duration of antimicrobials. Most cases have a successful outcome, irrespective of surgical modality, and with an antimicrobial combination regimen for 12 or more weeks.