A Case of Septic Arthritis Caused by Staphylococcus schleiferi

Abstract

Septic arthritis leads to significant hospital burden in the United States adult patient population. Bacteria are the leading cause of septic arthritis with Staphylococcus aureus being the most common. Of the staphylococcal species, Staphylococcus schleiferi, primarily found in carnivores, rarely causes septic arthritis. We here report the presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and discharge of a 39-year-old male with S. schleiferi septic arthritis. Due to biochemical similarities, S. schleiferi are commonly misidentified as S. aureus, and correct identification is increasingly relevant for the selection of appropriate therapy due to the rise in cases of multidrug-resistant microorganisms.