Prosthetic Joint Infections Due to Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci

Abstract

Context: Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are the most frequently isolated pathogens and are responsible for approximately two-thirds of joint replacement infections. Evidence Acquisition: Although both belong to the staphylococci genus, there are several epidemiological and therapeutic differences between S. aureus and the heterogenous group of CoNS. In general, however, preventive and therapeutic recommendations for Prosthetic Joint Infection PJI due to CoNS do not differ from PJI caused by other pathogens. Results: The main differences between the pathogens lie in the clinical presentation of PJI, the presumed origin of infection, and the presence of a higher proportion of methicillin-resistant strains leading to a limited choice of antibiotic agents. Conclusions: Fortunately, due to its lower virulence as compared to its cousin S. aureus, PJI due to CoNS may display higher remission rates than S. aureus-caused PJI after combined surgical and medical management.