Septic arthritis to Proteus mirabilis

ABSTRACT

Septic arthritis is an acute disease infrequent but burdened with a heavy prognosis in terms of mortality and morbidity. We report a case of Proteus mirabilis septic arthritis occurred spontaneously in a patient with diabetes mellitus complicated. The outcome was favorable with early diagnosis and institution of appropriate antibiotic therapy combined with lavage of the joint. The Proteus mirabilis septic arthritis is rare, which prompted us to review the literature in a series of pyogenic arthritis including Proteus mirabilis on risk factors, pathogenesis, treatment and evolution of these pathologies. The results of this study leads us to recommend the creation of early joint aspiration represents the key examination for the diagnosis by direct examination after Gram stain, culture and sensitivity that will guide the choice of antibiotic. When Gram-negative is found, empiric antibiotic therapy should be started based on a combination of third-generation cephalosporin or a quinolone and an aminoglycoside pending the results of susceptibility testing. Further washing of the joint may be an essential part of treatment