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Musculoskeletal21 papers

Fungal arthritis

Last edited: 4/10/2026

Overview

Fungal arthritis is an infection of the joint caused by fungi 12. It can occur in endemic areas or be iatrogenically acquired 12.

Diagnosis

  • Consider fungal arthritis in patients from endemic areas with disseminated disease 1.
  • Consider iatrogenic fungal infection postoperatively, especially if initial cultures are negative 2.
  • Erosive changes can occur, even with minimal cartilage invasion 3.
  • Management

  • Early diagnosis and treatment are emphasized 1.
  • Treatment strategies for specific fungal agents are not detailed in the provided abstracts.
  • Special Populations

  • Patients with leukemia may be at risk for disseminated candidiasis and subsequent fungal arthritis 3.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Consider fungal arthritis in individuals from endemic areas who present with disseminated disease 1. (Evidence: Weak)
  • Consider the possibility of iatrogenic fungal infection in postoperative patients, particularly if initial cultures are negative 2. (Evidence: Weak)
  • Early diagnosis and treatment are important for fungal arthritis 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)
  • References

    1 Castañeda OJ, Alarcón GS, García MT, Lumbreras H. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis arthritis. Report of a case and review of the literature. The Journal of rheumatology 1985. link 2 Arnold HJ, Dini A, Jonas G, Zorn EL. Candida albicans arthritis in a healthy adult. Southern medical journal 1981. link 3 Gerster JC, Glauser MP, Delacretaz F, Nguyen T. Erosive candida arthritis in a patient with disseminated candidiasis. The Journal of rheumatology 1980. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Paracoccidioides brasiliensis arthritis. Report of a case and review of the literature.Castañeda OJ, Alarcón GS, García MT, Lumbreras H The Journal of rheumatology (1985)
    2. [2]
      Candida albicans arthritis in a healthy adult.Arnold HJ, Dini A, Jonas G, Zorn EL Southern medical journal (1981)
    3. [3]
      Erosive candida arthritis in a patient with disseminated candidiasis.Gerster JC, Glauser MP, Delacretaz F, Nguyen T The Journal of rheumatology (1980)

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