[Rifampicin in the treatment of Staphylococcus arthritis].

Rifampicin is used for treating 20 Staphylococcus septic arthritis, in combination with another antibiotic. The former is chosen for its striking bone diffusion. The average duration of the whole antibiotic treatment is 3 months. Rifampicin is usually prescribed, in daily doses of 1 200 mg for 60 days, after one month of parenteral antibiotherapy. The bactericidal activity is controlled regularly by measuring serum inhibitory titre. For 2 patients, the administration of rifampicin is suspended after 12 and 25 days respectively, due to digestive disorders. Results are evaluated at the end of a period averaging 18 months. Articular infection has been cured in all patients. Taking these results into account, we are able to emphasize that the inclusion of rifampicin in the antibiotic scheme is of great value in treating bone and articular infections.