Characteristics of Polymicrobial Bone and Joint Infections: A Microbiological Perspective from Literature to Clinical Cases

De Witte Janne, Anné Jonas, 2025
This master’s thesis focuses on the characteristics of polymicrobial bone and joint infections through an extensive literature review, which is then compared with 49 cases from an in-house database. General parameters of these infections, including patient age, gender, location of infection, the presence of artificial material, and others, are analyzed. Additionally, an in-depth comparison between the literature and case data is performed to investigate the microbiological profiles of these polymicrobial infections. Finally, the antibiotic treatment plans and outcomes of these infections are analyzed and discussed. These parameters are then compared with those of monomicrobial bone and joint infections from the master’s thesis “Evaluatie van orthopedische infecties in het UZ Gent”. This study aims to identify patterns and generate new insights that may contribute to future research and offer physicians evidencebased recommendations for clinical guidelines. The societal relevance of this thesis on polymicrobial bone and joint infections resides in its potential contributions to public health and clinical practice. Through a better understanding of these complex infections, this research can help improve diagnostic accuracy, treatment strategies, and patient outcomes, particularly for infections that are difficult to manage due to their polymicrobial nature. Better management of these infections can shorten recovery time, minimize the need for repeated surgeries, and reduce healthcare costs. Moreover, the insights gained from this study could inform clinical guidelines and inspire future research, ultimately contributing to improved quality of life for patients and reducing the societal burden of chronic bone and joint infections.

Promotor Jeroen Neyt
Opleiding Geneeskunde
Domein Chirurgie
Kernwoorden orthopedie polymicrobieel infectie