Infectious Arthritis

Infectious arthritis is joint infection by bacteria (S. aureus/strep/Gram-negative), mycobacteria (M. tuberculosis), fungi (Candida/histoplasma), spirochetes (Borrelia/Lyme), viruses (parvovirus/HIV/rubella), presenting with mono/oligoarthritis. Treatment: joint aspiration (Gram stain/culture/PCR/cell count); blood cultures; targeted therapy: bacterial: IV antibiotics; TB: 4-drug anti-TB; fungal: amphotericin B/fluconazole; Lyme: oral doxycycline/amoxicillin; viral: supportive; joint drainage/arthroscopic washout; treat underlying (immunocompromised/diabetes/IVDU); monitor joint destruction; follow-up orthopedics/infectious disease/rheumatology.

Common Symptoms

Mono/oligoarthritis; fever; by organism (bacterial/TB/fungal/Lyme/viral)

Causes and Pathogenesis

Direct/hematogenous seeding by microbial pathogen causes joint infection/inflammation.

Treatment

Aspiration/culture; targeted antibiotics/antifungals/anti-TB; drainage; treat underlying

Preventive Measures

Treat bacteremia; tick prevention; diabetes control; early treatment.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Orthopedics/Infectious-disease/Rheumatology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.