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Medical Encyclopedia |
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Alternative Names
Mycotic arthritisDefinition Return to top
Fungal arthritis is infection of a joint by a fungus.
Causes Return to top
Fungal arthritis, also called mycotic arthritis, is a very rare condition. It can be caused by any of the invasive types of fungi. These organisms may affect bone or joint tissue. One or more joints may be affected, most often the large, weight-bearing joints, especially the knees.
Organisms that can cause fungal arthritis include:
The infection usually occurs as a result of an infection in another organ, frequently the lungs, and tends to get worse very slowly. People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to most causes of fungal arthritis.
Symptoms Return to top
Exams and Tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
The goal of treatment is to cure the infection using antifungal drugs. The most commonly used antifungal drugs are amphotericin B or medications in the azole family (fluconazole, ketoconazole, or itraconazole).
Chronic or advanced bone or joint infection may require surgery (debridement) to remove the infected tissue.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
What happens depends on the underlying cause of the infection and the patient's overall health. A weakened immune system, cancer, and certain medications can affect the outcome.
Possible Complications Return to top
Joint damage can occur if the infection is not treated promptly.
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have any symptoms of fungal arthritis.
Prevention Return to top
Thorough treatment of fungal infections elsewhere in the body may help prevent fungal arthritis.
References Return to top
Espinoza LR. Infections of bursae, joints, and bones. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 293.
Ohl CA. Infectious arthritis of native joints. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2005: chap 98.
Update Date: 11/11/2008 Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
