Joint inflammation brought on by an infection is the hallmark of septic arthritis, sometimes infectious arthritis. It happens when bacteria, viruses, or fungus enter a joint, causing swelling and pus buildup inside the injured joint. Although it may happen in any joint, this ailment primarily affects the bigger joints, such as the knee, hip, and shoulder.
As per joint replacement surgeons in Mumbai, Septic arthritis can develop from several causes, such as infections in nearby tissues or the bloodstream or direct invasion of bacteria, viruses, or fungus into the joint. Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, and Escherichia coli infections are a few examples of principal reasons. Septic arthritis is more likely to occur in those with weakened immune systems, underlying joint diseases, recent joint surgery, or a history of intravenous drug use.
The Most Common Septic Arthritis symptoms
- Constant Joint pain.
- Swelling of the Joints.
- Discolouration of skin around the joints.
- Weakness and illness experienced by the concerned patient.
Bacterial Causes
- Staphylococcus aureus: The most frequent cause of septic arthritis, especially in grown-ups, is Staphylococcus aureus. It may get within the joint by contamination directly or bloodstream infection.
- Streptococcus species: Streptococcus pneumoniae and pyogenes are two types of Streptococcus bacteria that can cause septic arthritis. They frequently follow an earlier infection, like pneumonia or strep throat.
- Escherichia coli: This bacterium frequently causes urinary tract infections and, in rare circumstances, has been linked to septic arthritis. It can also spread to joints. Bacterial causes are among the top septic arthritis causes.
- Haemophilus influenzae: Vaccination has made Haemophilus influenzae less frequent, but it still has the potential to cause septic arthritis, especially in children and older individuals.
Viral Causes
- Parvovirus B19: The “fifth disease,” also known as erythema infectiosum, is a disorder known to be caused by parvovirus B19. In certain instances, it can lead to septic arthritis and joint inflammation.
- Hepatitis viruses: Due to immune-mediated reactions, hepatitis B and C viruses can sporadically cause joint inflammation and septic arthritis.
- Rubella virus: Also known as German measles, rubella is a virus that can inflict joint discomfort and inflammation and in rare cases, septic arthritis.
- HSV (herpes simplex virus): Although HSV mostly affects the skin and mucous membranes, it can sometimes extend to joints, causing joint inflammation and septic arthritis.
Fungal Causes
- Candida species: Candida species: Septic arthritis is a kind of invasive fungal infection brought on by the yeast Candida. People with immune systems that are already impaired, such as those who have HIV/AIDS, are undergoing chemotherapy, or are getting long-term corticosteroid medication, are frequently affected.
- Aspergillus species: Moulds from the Aspergillus genus are widely found in the environment. It may sometimes lead to septic arthritis, particularly in those with underlying lung diseases, organ transplant recipients, or long-term corticosteroid users.
- Histoplasma capsulatum: Septic Arthritis symptoms are prevalent in areas contaminated by bird or bat waste. In areas where histoplasmosis is common, such as particular parts of North and Central America, it can occasionally result in septic arthritis, especially in patients with weakened immune systems.
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