Abstract

Septic arthritis is caused most commonly by Staphylococcus aureus. Streptococcus agalactiae is a rare cause of septic arthritis amongst adult population. However, few cases have been reported in some parts of the world, although no case reports of adult septic arthritis by this agent have been published from India. We report a case in an elderly rheumatoid arthritis patient, from rural West Bengal, who was totally immobilized due to severe aches in multiple joints. She presented in the emergency department of the hospital and was later diagnosed to have septic arthritis of the right knee. Joint Fluid and blood cultures yielded Streptococcus agalactiae. She was treated with arthrotomy, drainage and lavage, and antibiotics. At three-month follow-up, the patient is doing absolutely fine and is capable of doing all her chores. Early diagnosis and treatment lead to complete recovery and avoidance of severe complications that are usually associated with Group B septic arthritis cases.

Keywords

GBS, GpB streptococci, S. agalactiae, septic arthritis, elderly female, knee joint