Septic arthritis due to mycoplasma hominis. A case report and review of the literature.

The micro-organism Mycoplasma hominis is a common commensal of the female genital tract; the organism is found in the vagina and cervical canal of 56 per cent of women attending obstetric and gynaecological clinics (McCormack et al. 1973). It has been implicated as a pathogen in cases of puerperal sepsis (Russell and Fallon 1970; Solomon et al. 1973), particularly after traumatic vaginal delivery and Caesarian section. However, septic arthritis due to Mycoplasma hominis is rare: there are only two reports in the literature, both occurring in the postnatal period (Andrews 1974). A further case is reported here.