title: [Listeria monocytogenes prosthetic joint infection: Case report and review of the literature].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Hospital del Río Hortega, Valladolid, España. damosig@hotmail.com
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Morchón
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tejedor
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Quereda
authors.forename: Enrique
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Navas
authors.forename: María
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Meseguer
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D005839:Gentamicins; D000667:Ampicillin