Morganella morganii: An unusual case-report of shoulder septic arthritis

Morganella morganii is a gram-negative, anaerobic, facultative bacillus that is part of the natural flora of the gastrointestinal system. In the rare event of joint effusion, it is known for its slow-paced progression of symptoms and occasional attacks and remissions leading to septic arthritis, and it is difficult to recognize and to address with a timely response. We present a case of a 95-year-old male hospitalized due to left shoulder septic arthritis. The symptoms commenced as simple discomfort in the joint, and 10 days later this was followed with pain and dysfunction, diffusion, and mild fever. Blood and pus cultures were obtained on the day of admission; arthroscopic debridement was performed the next morning; and wide-spectrum antibiotic treatment was initiated. Both blood and pus cultures isolated Morganella morganii, and the antibiotic regimen was adjusted to the antibiogram. Clinical and laboratory scores demonstrated signs of improvement, and the patient recovered within 3 months. © 2019 by Begell House, Inc.