[Periprosthetic knee infection after a cat bite].

BACKGROUND

Infections caused by Pasteurella multocida are extremely rare in arthroplasty. We report the case of a patient who was bitten by his domestic cat, causing an infection of his knee arthroplasty.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT: The puncture of the knee resulted in putrid joint effusion. After removal of the knee prosthesis, infection with Pasteurella multocida was verified. We performed a two-stage revision combined with intravenous antibiotic therapy.

DISCUSSION: Infections caused by cats and dogs should attract more attention especially as prosthesis material represents a significant "locus minoris resistentiae". Patients with domestic pets should be informed about this source of infection and possible complications. In the case of a bite, prompt and liberal antibiotic treatment should be administered.