Assessment of Rothia Dentocariosa as A Causative Agent in Septic Arthritis in A Healthy Rabbit Model (Experimental Study)

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, intra-articular procedures have been widely used for the improvement of life quality and therapeutic purposes. These procedures may increase the risk of septic arthritis. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of Rothia dentocariosa which is an opportunistic bacteria, on the development of infection both in intact and traumatized rabbit knees. Materials and
Method: Rothia dentocariosa strains with approved pathogenity were studied in the standardized healthy animal model of septic arthritis. The experiment was performed in 14 knees of seven New Zealand white rabbits. Bacteria were atraumatically inoculated to the right knees of the rabbits while the other knee joints were injured with a 22G needle before inoculation.
Results: While there were no signs of clinical or bacteriological infection in the uninjured side; subclinical infection was observed in five of the seven injured knees, and presence of bacteria was detected in four of them. Bacterial re-identification was performed with API Coryne Ver 2.0 Test panel (Bio-Meriéux, France).
Conclusion: Septic arthritis due to Gram positive rods usually have a subclinical course. Presence of the cited bacteria in human oral flora, its tendency to spread hematologically and its possibility of autoinocculation, suggest it as an agent of septic arthritis. In this study, Rothia dentocariosa did not cause infection in the intact knees while it has been a subclinical infective agent in the injured knees, which is one of the predisposing factors for septic arthritis. In conclusion, Rothia dentocariosa can be considered as an infective agent in this particular condition.