Prosthetic Joint Infection Caused by Gardnerella vaginalis: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Prosthetic joint infection is not uncommon, but Gardnerella vaginalis has been reported rarely as a causative agent. A 45-year-old patient with no remarkable history was admitted to the hospital ten months after total hip replacement because of loosening of the prosthesis. Initial culture grew S. anginosus. Repeated culture of the debridement material grew G. vaginalis. After adequate and effective treatment, he was discharged in good health. This is the first case of a male patient with prosthetic joint infection caused by G. vaginalis. This pathogen should be considered in the presence of slow-growing, gram-variable rods in culture.

Automated summary

Prosthetic joint infection is a common occurrence, but Gardnerella vaginalis has rarely been reported as the causative agent. This case report presents the first instance of a male patient with prosthetic joint infection caused by G. vaginalis. The presence of slow-growing, gram-variable rods in culture should raise suspicion for this pathogen.