[Extensive joint problems in a child]

Abstract

A twelve-year-old girl was admitted to the paediatric department with progressive joint problems following a mild trauma. Diagnostic follow-up showed a Staphylococcus aureus infection. Generally, S. aureus infection mainly involves the skin and the nasal mucosa. In some cases it can cause a fulminant invasive infection in previously healthy young patients. If this is the case, it is important to consider PVL (Panton-Valentine-leukocidin)-positive S. aureus and underlying immune deficiencies when performing a differential diagnosis. In addition, it is important to remember that previous trauma can cause increased susceptibility to septic arthritis or osteomyelitis in children, as is seen in this case. Aggressive treatment of an invasive S. aureus infection is important even in apparently healthy young patients, to prevent morbidity or mortality.