Eikenella corrodens bone and hip joint infection. A case report and literature review

Abstract

Eikenella corrodens (EC) is a human commensal microorganism of the mouth flora. This bacterium is rarely reported in bone and joint infections in children, but the consequences on the joint function can be devastating and irreversible. We report the case of septic arthritis of the hip following an oral wound in a 12-year-old boy. The progression of the condition was favorable with no complications or pain observed after antibiotic treatment. Clinical and radiological examinations showed a satisfactory outcome at 6 months with no sign of recurrence or complication (growth disorder). Children's osteomyelitis and arthritis caused by EC have been mostly reported after human bites or extremity pricks. This slow-growing organism is rarely diagnosed but should be considered as a potential pathogenetic agent and treated aggressively, especially since the antibiotic therapy is simple and achieves good results.

Level of evidence: Level IV.