Neisseria meningitidis as a cause of isolated bilateral polyarticular native knee joint septic arthritis

Saad Ahmed*, Tom Walton, Freda Sundram, Adaeze Ugwoke, Ray Borrow

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Septic Arthritis is a medical emergency with a significant mortality and morbidity. Infection usually occurs via haematogenous seeding of microorganisms or via injury, such as trauma or surgery. The aim of management is to minimise the risk of irreversible joint damage and to preserve function. Septic arthritis is usually bacterial in origin, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus, but Mycobacteria or fungi can also be responsible. Neisseria meningitidis is an aerobic Gram-Negative Diplococcus that normally inhabits the naso and oropharynx and has the potential to cause meningitis, septicaemia, septic arthritis and endocarditis. We present the case of a 63 year old lady admitted with bilateral knee pain and swelling, lower limb rash and a fever who was initially managed as a Reactive Arthritis but subsequent Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) molecular analysis revealed capsular group B N. meningitidis in bilateral knee aspirates. We discuss the diagnostic challenges in differentiating Septic Arthritis from inflammatory arthritis, and the role of PCR molecular analysis in that process.

Original languageEnglish
Article number100081
JournalClinical Infection in Practice
Volume12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2021

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021

Keywords

  • Neisseria meningitidis
  • Polymerase chain reaction
  • Septic arthritis

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