Joint infection by anaerobic bacteria: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Abstract A case of Bacteroides fragilis arthritis of the knee following intraarticular steroid therapy is described. Details of a literature review revealing 47 cases of arthritis due to nonsporeforming anaerobic bacteria are presented also. Features which, when present, suggest the possibility of anaerobic joint infection include foul‐smelling pus, gas in a joint, and the unique morphology of many anaerobes on gram stain of pus. The sternoclavicular and sacroiliac joints are peculiarly susceptible to Bacteroides infections.