Infectious arthritis, also known as septic arthritis, is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation and swelling of one or more joints as a result of a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. It occurs when an infection spreads from another part of the body to a joint, leading to the disruption of normal joint function and the emergence of arthritic symptoms.
The infection typically enters the joint through the bloodstream, direct injury, or as a result of surgery. Common bacteria causing infectious arthritis include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, Escherichia coli, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Viral infections that can cause this condition include hepatitis A, B, and C, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and parvovirus B19. Fungal infections such as Candida and Aspergillus can also lead to infectious arthritis.
Symptoms of infectious arthritis often appear suddenly and can include severe joint pain, redness, warmth, swelling, and reduced mobility. It commonly affects large joints like the hip, knee, and shoulder, but can affect any joint in the body. Alongside joint symptoms, individuals may experience fever, chills, and overall malaise.
Prompt and appropriate treatment is crucial to avoid long-term joint damage and the spread of the infection to neighboring tissues. Diagnosis typically involves joint aspiration to analyze the synovial fluid for the presence of infectious agents. Treatment may involve the administration of antibiotics, antiviral medications, or antifungal drugs depending on the causative agent.
In summary, infectious arthritis is a condition characterized by joint inflammation and swelling originating from an infection. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, leading to sudden onset joint pain, reduced mobility, and systemic symptoms. Immediate
