Tuberculous and foreign-body granulomatous reactions involving a total knee prosthesis.

This case report describes loosening of a right knee prosthesis and represents the first report of the simultaneous occurrence of 2 granulomatous processes involving a prosthetic joint. Microscopic examination of the tissue revealed areas of foreign-body granulomas and areas of necrotizing granulomas and caseation. Acid-fast bacilli cultures were positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The pathophysiology of implant loosening following an inflammatory reaction to components of prosthetic materials is discussed. Also discussed is the occurrence of infectious complications and rarity of tuberculous infections associated with prosthetic implants.

The analysis of the impact of a mild, low-iodine, lotion soap on the reduction of nosocomial methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: a new opportunity for surveillance by objectives.

A significant unremitting increase in the incidence of nosocomial methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in a 500-bed acute care community teaching hospital prompted reevaluation of the efficacy of the infection control measures used. A well-accepted, low-iodine, antimicrobial soap was used to replace a liquid natural handsoap in two areas with the highest incidence of MRSA--the intensive care unit, and a medical division. Over a two-year period, an analysis was made of the effect of soap replacement on nosocomial infections and pathogens. Soap changeover occurred at the midpoint of the two-year period. From year to year, the nosocomial MRSA rate decreased 80% (t test, P = 0.005). Other pathogens that demonstrated a dramatic decrease included methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), infections where no pathogens were isolated, and various gram-negative infections. Categories of nosocomial infections that decreased included surgical wound infections, primary bacteremias, and respiratory tract infections. The overall nosocomial infection rate of the two combined areas decreased 21.5%, representing a year-to-year savings of $109,500. As a result, the decision was made to install the low-iodine handsoap permanently at all sinks within the hospital.