Application of Metagenomic High-Throughput Sequencing in a Rare Case of Multisite Infection With Two Microorganisms After Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Abstract

Postoperative deep infection is usually identified by microbial culture. However, frequent false-negative results have severely limited effective treatment. We report a rare case of intra-articular and paravertebral infection after total knee arthroplasty caused by <i>Mycoplasma hominis</i> and <i>Ureaplasma urealyticum</i>, with multiple negative microbial culture results. Eventually, the pathogens were identified using metagenomic high-throughput sequencing, and the patient was successfully treated with several "old" antibiotics. We analyze the clinical characteristics of this patient and systematically describe the application of high-throughput sequencing and antibiotics. [<i>Orthopedics</i>. 2024;47(1):e52-e56.].