The contribution of metagenomic next-generation sequencing to a diagnosis of gas-producing Fusobacterium-induced septic hip arthritis: A case report

Abstract

Pyogenic arthritis with gas gangrene triggered by intra-articular steroid injections can occasionally result in fatal complications. Clostridium perfringens is typically the causative pathogen, with infections caused by Fusobacterium species being relatively rare. Fusobacterium species are known to cause pyogenic infections, but due to their extreme sensitivity to oxygen, they can be difficult to detect with traditional culture methods. Recently, metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has gained attention as an alternative diagnostic tool to traditional culture, enabling rapid identification of causative pathogens in infectious diseases, including pyogenic arthritis. Its use is illustrated in the following case report, which demonstrates the diagnostic utility of mNGS in pyogenic arthritis with gas gangrene triggered by an intra-articular steroid injection. Using mNGS as a complement to conventional culture testing allows for a more precise narrowing-down of causative pathogens, enabling targeted therapy and improving patient outcomes. This approach may also help reduce the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and prevent the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.