Asymptomatic Periprosthetic Joint Infection of the Hip with High-Virulence Pathogens: Report of Two Cases

Abstract

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) may be a life-threatening condition, particularly when caused by pathogens with high virulence, capable of developing secondary bloodstream infection. We report two cases of chronic PJI of the hip, one with Staphylococcus aureus in a 27-year-old female with severe anorexia, the other one with Staphylococcus lugdunensis in a 74-year-old female suffering from morbid obesity. Both infections did not cause relevant symptoms over time despite the absence of suppressive antibiotic treatment. To our knowledge, there are no similar cases described in the literature. While it remains difficult to recommend postponing treatment in such cases, this option may be an alternative to suppressive antibiotic therapy.