The double-edged sword - prosthetic joint infection following BCG treatment for bladder cancer: a case report

BACKGROUND: Prosthetic joint infections remain a significant cause of morbidity and are frustrating for patients and physicians alike. Unusual causes of infection may be seen in selected circumstances and a high index of suspicion and a careful history are required to ensure an accurate and timely diagnosis can be made. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of Mycobacterium bovis prosthetic joint infection secondary to intravesicular Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) treatment for prior bladder cancer definitively identified by spoligotyping. A favorable clinical outcome was observed following surgical intervention and a 12-month course of anti-mycobacterial therapy. CONCLUSIONS: BCG therapy, a live attenuated strain of M. bovis, has become the mainstay of adjunctive therapy for bladder cancer and infectious complications, including those affecting the musculoskeletal system, may be seen years after initial therapy. An awareness of this complication and appropriate discussions with the institution’s microbiology laboratory may allow for an accurate and timely identification.