Fungal organisms are conventionally estimated to account for 1 % –2 % of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) cases, although diagnostic and reporting limitations may result in systematic underestimation. Using a quantitative missing-data sensitivity analysis across 23 studies encompassing 28 253 PJI cases, we estimated an adjusted Candida PJI proportion of approximately 5 %, increasing to nearly 10 % in chronic or refractory infections.

A total of 51 studies were reviewed to compare the alpha-defensin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the lateral flow test for diagnosing joint replacement infections. Both tests are highly specific and accurately confirm infection, but ELISA showed greater sensitivity (87.8 % vs. 81.8 %), making it better for detection. These findings support the continued use of ELISA as the preferred diagnostic method.

This study looked at infections in people with prosthetic joints and found that a type of bacteria called anaerobes is often overlooked but causes more infections than expected, especially in the shoulder. These infections tend to last longer and present differently compared to typical ones. The findings suggest that doctors should always check for anaerobic bacteria when diagnosing joint infections, especially when symptoms are long-lasting or involve the shoulder.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a complication of total joint arthroplasty, and treatment failure rates are still quite high. This study has developed a novel rabbit model of PJI that provides an opportunity to introduce treatments during ongoing infection, with readouts including a quantifiable method to assess biofilm coverage on implants via scanning electron microscopy (SEM).