Septic arthritis due to Mycobacterium marinum

Abstract

We describe a patient with septic arthritis and osteomyelitis of the ring finger due to Mycobacterium marinum. A review of the literature shows fewer than 40 reported cases of joint infection with this organism. Most of the patients reported had been previously in good health, and had been in contact with fish or otherwise involved in aquatic activities. The arthritis affects mainly the hands or wrists and is insidious in onset. Delay in diagnosis, and initial inappropriate treatment with intraarticular steroids are frequent. Therapy with antibiotics and/or surgical debridement is usually successful.