Title : Could it be brucella melitensis? Recognizing and managing a rare pathogen in periprosthetic infections among patients from Anatolia
Abstract:
Brucella melitensis-associated periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are a rare yet critical challenge, especially in endemic regions such as Anatolia. This presentation reviews a case series involving five patients treated at tertiary hospitals. Advanced diagnostics like prolonged culture incubation and serological testing confirmed the infections. Management varied from targeted antibiotics for stable implants to one- and two-stage revision surgeries for cases with implant loosening. All patients achieved infection eradication and excellent functional outcomes. The findings highlight the importance of clinical suspicion, advanced diagnostics, and multidisciplinary treatment approaches in managing these complex infections.
