An unusual case of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae prosthetic joint infection from the Canadian Arctic: whole genome sequencing unable to identify a zoonotic source
BackgroundErysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a zoonotic pathogen that causes erysipeloid and is most frequently associated with exposure to domestic swine. Infection of native and prosthetic joints is a rarely reported manifestation.Case presentationWe describe a case of E. rhusiopathiae prosthetic joint infection in a woman with a history of exposure to wild animals in the Canadian Arctic. Patient management involved a 1-stage surgical revision exchange with an antibiotic impregnated cement spacer and 6 weeks of intravenous penicillin G followed by 6weeks of oral amoxicillin. Ten previously reported cases of E. rhusiopathiae joint infection are reviewed. Recent increases in mortality due to infection with this organism among host animal populations in the Canadian Arctic have generated concern regarding a potential increase in human infections. However, whole genome sequencing (WGS) of the organism was unable to identify a zoonotic origin for this case.ConclusionsConsideration should be given to E. rhusiopathiae as a cause of joint infections if the appropriate epidemiologic and host risk factors exist. Expanded use of WGS in other potential animal hosts and environmental sources may provide important epidemiologic information in determining the source of human infections.
1.Univ Alberta, Fac Med & Dent, Dept Med Microbiol & Immunol, Edmonton, AB, Canada 2.Univ Glasgow, Inst Biodivers Anim Hlth & Comparat Med, Glasgow, Lanark, Scotland 3.Univ Alberta, Fac Med & Dent, Div Infect Dis, Dept Internal Med, 3B20-11111 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB T5K 0L4, Canada 4.Univ Alberta, Div Orthopaed Surg, Dept Surg, Fac Med & Dent, Edmonton, AB, Canada 5.Prov Lab Publ Hlth, Edmonton, AB, Canada 6.Univ Calgary, Dept Ecosyst & Publ Hlth, Fac Vet Med, Calgary, AB, Canada
Recommended Citation:
Groeschel, Michael,Forde, Taya,Turvey, Shannon,et al. An unusual case of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae prosthetic joint infection from the Canadian Arctic: whole genome sequencing unable to identify a zoonotic source[J]. BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES,2019-01-01,19