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P. acnes identified as most common organism following revision shoulder arthroplasty
Following revision shoulder arthroplasty, Propionibacterium acnes was identified as the most common organism, according to study results.
Researchers reviewed 46 cases with Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes)-positive cultures among patients who underwent revision shoulder arthroplasty. Researchers cultured tissue and fluid anaerobically for approximately 13 days, and used culture results and perioperative findings to categorize cases as probable true-positive or probable contaminant (false-positive).
Eric Ricchetti
Compared with the probable contaminant group, results showed a significantly shorter time to P. acnes culture growth in the probable true-positive culture group. Researchers found no culture result turned positive after 11 days among the 37 cases in the probable true-positive group. However, in 44% of cases in the probable contaminant group, cultures turned positive after 11 days. Regardless of group classification, results showed significantly fewer days to P. acnes culture growth among cases with a higher number of positive cultures and a higher proportion of positive cultures. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosure: Frangiamore reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.