Case Report

Septic Arthritis Caused by Chryseobacterium meningosepticum in an Elbow Joint Prosthesis

Authors: Ritu Kumar, MD, Jeffrey L. Stephens, MD

Abstract

Chryseobacterium meningosepticum is a Gram-negative bacillus historically associated with meningitis and sepsis in premature neonates. Clinicians should suspect this organism when Gram-negative bacilli are seen on Gram-stain and culture, particularly in immunocompromised patients, and in cases of disrupted host tissue integrity. We report the first case of septic arthritis due to this organism.


Chryseobacterium meningosepticum, formerly known as Flavobacterium meningosepticum, rarely causes infection in adults. The organism is resistant to multiple antibiotics and is a ubiquitous Gram-negative bacillus historically associated with meningitis and sepsis in premature neonates. 1 This is the first reported case of septic arthritis caused by this pathogen.

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

1. Chang Chien HY, Chiu NC, Li WC, et al. Characteristics of neonatal bacterial meningitis in a teaching hospital in Taiwan from 1984–1997. J Microbiol Immunol Infect 2000; 33: 100–104.
2. Sztajnbok J, Troster EJ. Community-acquired Chryseobacterium meningosepticum pneumonia and sepsis in a previously healthy child. J Infect 1998; 37: 310–312 (letter).
3. Pokrywka M, Viazanko K, Medvick J, et al. A Flavobacterium meningosepticum outbreak among intensive care patients. Am J Infect Control 1993; 21: 139–145.
4. Bloch KC, Nadarajah R, Jacobs R. Chryseobacterium meningosepticum: An emerging pathogen among immunocompromised adults—Report of 6 cases and literature review. Medicine (Baltimore) 1997; 76: 30–41.
5. Hoque SN, Graham J, Kaufmann ME, et al. Chryseobacterium (Flavobacterium) meningosepticumoutbreak associated with colonization of water taps in a neonatal intensive care unit. J Hosp Infect 2001; 47: 188–192.
6. Liu CE, Wong WW, Yang SP, et al. Flavobacterium meningosepticum bacteremia: An analysis of 16 cases. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi (Taipei) 1999; 62: 125–132.
7. Sexton DJ, Houk PC, Grantham RN. Successful treatment of prosthetic valve endocarditis due toFlavobacterium meningosepticum. South Med J 1985; 78: 1267–1268 (letter).
8. Marnejon T, Watanakunakorn C. Flavobacterium meningosepticum septicemia and peritonitis complicating CAPD. Clin Nephrol 1992; 38: 176–177 (letter).
9. Chan KH, Chau PY, Wang RY, et al. Meningitis caused by Flavobacterium meningosepticum after transsphenoidal hypophysectomy with recovery. Surg Neurol 1983; 20: 294–296.
10. Kienzle N, Muller M, Pegg S. Chryseobacterium in burn wounds. Burns 2001; 27: 179–182.
11. Johny M, Khuffash FA, Elhag KM. Antimicrobial treatment of Flavobacterium meningosepticuminfection. Ann Trop Paediatr 1983; 3: 125–128.
12. Fraser SL, Jorgensen JH. Reappraisal of the antimicrobial susceptibilities of Chryseobacterium andFlavobacterium species and methods for reliable susceptibility testing. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1997; 41: 2738–2741.
13. Hsueh PR, Teng LJ, Yang PC, et al. Susceptibilities of Chryseobacterium indologenes andChryseobacterium meningosepticum to cefepime and cefpirome. J Clin Microbiol 1997; 35: 3323–3324.