[Listeria monocytogenes prosthetic joint infection: Case report and review of the literature].
BACKGROUND
Listeria monocytogenes is an unusual pathogenic agent in the general population, but is an important cause of bacteriemia and meningoencephalitis among newborns, pregnant women, the elderly population, and immunosuppressed patients. In rare cases, it has been described in joint prosthesis infections.


METHODS
A case description of prosthetic joint infection caused by Listeria in a 74-year-old man is presented. A systematic review of the literature (MEDLINE up to November 2007) was performed, and the reported cases are summarized.


RESULTS
Sixteen cases of prosthetic joint infection by L. monocytogenes have been reported, mainly in patients of advanced age (mean, 67.4 years; mode, 70 years) and immunosuppressed patients. Most cases were late infections.


CONCLUSIONS
L. monocytogenes should be kept in mind as a pathogen involved in joint prosthesis infection, particularly among the elderly and immunosuppressed populations. Based on the literature review, parenteral ampicillin for at least 6 weeks is the treatment of choice. If possible, prosthesis removal should also be performed.
Morchón
David
D
Hospital del Río Hortega, Valladolid, España. damosig@hotmail.com
Tejedor
Marta
M
Quereda
Carmen
C
Navas
Enrique
E
Meseguer
María
M
D000368:Aged; D000667:Ampicillin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016470:Bacteremia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D020878:Device Removal; D005839:Gentamicins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D008089:Listeria monocytogenes / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000472:pathogenicity; D008088:Listeriosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005839:Gentamicins; D000667:Ampicillin