Granulicatella adiacens: An uncommon diagnosis of prosthetic hip joint infection. A case report with review of the literature

Abstract

We report a case of prosthetic hip infection in a 79 year old man caused by Granulicatella adiacens. The diagnosis was achieved using broad range 16S PCR gene analysis at an early stage, after joint aspiration and culture failed to yield a pathogen. Staged revision surgery together with administration of appropriate antibiotics resulted in cure. Granulicatella adiacens is a nutritionally variant streptococcus (NVS). It has been increasingly reported to cause significant morbidities involving various systems. Its insidious growth due to complex growth requirements, has made its diagnosis challenging, and often delays appropriate antibiotic administration.

Keywords

• Granulicatella adiacens
• Prosthetic hip infection
• 16S PCR
• Challenging diagnosis