Septic Arthritis of the Hip Complicated by Secondary Fungal Superinfection

INTRODUCTION: Fungal joint infection can lead to serious consequences for those affected. It can often be a delayed diagnosis due to initial negative organism growth or lack of clinician awareness. Treatment should be early and aggressive to prevent patient morbidity and mortality. CASE REPORT: We present a case of staphylococcal septic arthritis of the native hip joint with secondary superinfection by Candida albicans in a young patient with no appreciable risk factors. We explain the complexity of a delayed diagnosis and subsequent treatment. CONCLUSION: This case highlights important learning points in terms of considering secondary fungal infection in any septic arthritis patient that does not respond to conventional antimicrobial treatment.