Can Brucella bacteria cause a periprosthetic joint infection after knee replacement?

Brucella is a type of bacteria that can cause an infection called brucellosis, usually from contact with infected animals or unpasteurized dairy. In rare cases, it can infect a replaced joint, leading to a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). This is uncommon, but it has been reported after knee and hip replacements. The infection can be tricky to detect because symptoms may be mild or absent, and standard tests sometimes miss it.

What the research says

Because Brucella PJI is rare and can mimic other conditions, doctors need to suspect it, especially if you have risk factors like living in or traveling to areas where brucellosis is common, or if you consume unpasteurized dairy. Standard tests may not always catch it, so advanced diagnostics like prolonged cultures and serology are often necessary ⁸. Treatment typically involves long-term antibiotics, sometimes combined with surgery, but the best approach depends on the individual case ³⁶.

What to ask your doctor

• Could my symptoms be due to a Brucella infection, especially if I have traveled to or lived in areas where brucellosis is common?
• What tests can help diagnose Brucella PJI, such as blood tests or prolonged cultures?
• If Brucella is found, what antibiotic treatment is recommended, and how long would it last?
• Would I need surgery, such as debridement or revision, in addition to antibiotics?
• Are there any long-term risks or signs of recurrence I should watch for?