First Detection of Methanogens in Orthopedic Prosthesis Infection: A Four-Case Founding Series

Orthopedic prosthesis infection must be medically managed after appropriate microbiological documentation. While bacteria and fungi are acknowledged to causative opportunistic pathogens in this situation, the potential role of methanogens orthopedic infections is still unknown. In a retrospective study, total 100 joint bone samples collected from 25 patients were screened by specific PCR assays for detection methanogens. PCR-positive observed autofluorescence, electron microscopy tentatively cultured under culture conditions. Methanogens detected quantitative 4/100 samples, presence negative controls. Sequencing identified Methanobrevibacter oralis two cases, smithii one case wolinii case. Microscopic methods confirmed molecular findings bacterial yielded strains Staphylococcus aureus, strain epidermidis Proteus mirabilis. These unprecedented data highlight also diagnosed with infection, questioning as additional co-pathogens situation.