Oerskovia xanthineolytica infection of a prosthetic joint: case report and review

Oerskovia spp. are gram-positive, Nocardia-like bacilli which inhabit the soil and rarely cause human infections. Previously reported cases of Oerskovia infection have been characterized by a nonaggressive course and an association with foreign bodies. We report the first case of a patient with a prosthetic joint infection due to Oerskovia xanthineolytica. Our patient presented with a prolonged, indolent course and was thought to have aseptic loosening of his prosthesis until the time of surgery. He was cured of his infection by removal of the prosthesis, antibiotic therapy, and delayed reimplantation. Review of the previous 10 reported cases of Oerskovia infection in humans supports the recommendation that foreign-body-associated infections should be treated with a strategy that includes removal of the foreign material.