Fungal Prosthetic Joint Infection: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Fungal prosthetic joint infections comprise less than 1% of prosthetic joint infections. Thus, little is known regarding optimal management. This study aims to characterize the microbiology, surgical and medical management, and outcomes for these complex infections. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of surgical approach, antifungal treatment, fungal species, and time to onset of infection from initial surgery on patient outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective record review over 12 years was performed in two health systems that included patients with a deep culture positive for a fungal isolate and the presence of a prosthetic joint. A literature review was performed using the same inclusion criteria. A total of 289 cases were identified and analyzed. RESULTS: Candida was the most common isolate, and a two-stage revision was the most commonly employed surgical modality. The type of surgical intervention had a statistically significant relationship with outcome (P = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Two-stage revision with extended antifungal therapy is preferred in these infections due to higher rates of positive outcomes.

Prosthetic joint infections may be caused by fungal organisms, but as this is rare, it is not known how to best treat these infections. This study explores the types of fungal organisms involved in these infections, options for surgical and medical treatment, and patient outcomes. We analyzed records over 12 years at two health systems and the currently published works on this topic. A total of 289 records were analyzed. The fungus Candida was the most common infectious cause, and a two-stage revision surgery was most commonly performed. We found that the type of surgical intervention was correlated with the patient outcome and that two-stage revision with a long course of antifungal medications is preferred in these infections.

Serratia Marcescens, a Rare and Devastating Cause of Endocarditis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Serratia marcescens is a gram-negative bacillus that is an opportunistic agent in respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and septicemia. It is rarely a cause of infective endocarditis, but in cases of endocarditis, it follows a rapid and devastating course. A previously healthy female in her mid-50s presented with fever, abdominal pain, right lower extremity pain, and diarrhea. Blood cultures were positive for S. marcescens , and additional evaluation revealed infarction in the spleen and kidneys, raising concern for endocarditis with associated embolic phenomena. The patient was subsequently found to have an embolus in the right popliteal artery and underwent a right popliteal thromboembolectomy. Antimicrobial therapy with cefepime and gentamicin was begun. A transesophageal echocardiogram revealed a large, mobile mitral valve vegetation. Care was complicated by intracranial hemorrhage, and the decision was made to withdraw care. A review of the databases Embase and PubMed revealed 63 additional cases of S. marcescens endocarditis. Analysis of these cases demonstrated a preponderance of aortic and mitral valve involvement, not tricuspid valve involvement, despite a risk factor of intravenous drug use in over 60% of cases. Mortality was 50%, and sequelae such as congestive heart failure and renal insufficiency occurred in the majority of survivors. In conclusion, S. marcescens is a rare but devastating cause of endocarditis with a primary risk factor of intravenous drug use but with a predilection for left-sided valvular lesions, not right-sided lesions.

Pleural Effusion/Empyema With Mycobacterium kansasii.

Mycobacterium kansasii is a nontuberculous mycobacterium that causes pulmonary symptoms, commonly associated with underlying conditions, including malignancy, prior transplant, and HIV. However, rarely does Mycobacterium kansasii present with pleural effusion. We present a case of a 56-year-old female who presented with dyspnea and chest pain, and sputum culture was positive for acid-fast bacilli. A CT scan revealed a left-sided pleural effusion. Based on a thorough review of the literature using Embase and PubMed, we found that only 22 cases of a Mycobacterium kansasii pleural effusion have been reported. We provide a discussion on maintaining a broad differential in the treatment of immunocompromised individuals with Mycobacterium infection.