Toukam Michel^{1, 2}, Mbanzouen William Arnaud^{1, 3,}, Ngome Minone Rosanne³, Belinga Suzanne³, Tagne Larissa³, Simo Pierrette³, Sokeng Esther³, Abanda Marcelle³, Ngon Urbaine³, Noubissi-Jouegouo Laurence³, Ango Manuella³, Ndamukong Harley³, Mbe Jean Romain³, Tassadjo Flaubert³, Fouda Thierry³, Biloa Edvige³, Ngongang Dimitri⁴, Nzouankeu Ariane⁵, Lyonga Mbamyah Emilia¹

Introduction: Septic arthritis is a serious medical emergency because of the morbidity and functional risks it entails. Variations in the microbiological profile and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance remain a challenge. This study was undertaken to determine the bacterial aetiologies of septic arthritis and their antimicrobial resistance trends, in order to update data and contribute to better therapeutic management of patients suffering from this pathology. Methods: A retrospective and prospective study was carried out on joint fluids received at the Centre Pasteur du Cameroun Laboratory between 2016 and 2021. Cytobacteriological analysis was performed on these joint fluids according to the medical microbiology guidelines. Results: 471 joint fluids were received and tested, of which 83 (17.6%) were culture positive. The main bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (n=33; 38.8%) followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (n=5; 5.9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=5; 5.9%) and Streptococcus pyogenes (n=4; 4.7%). Vancomycin, teicoplanin, linezolid and nitrofuran were 100% active on gram-positive cocci, while imipenem and amikacin were active on gram-negative bacteria, with sensitivity frequencies of 92.3% and 80.8% respectively. We also observed a significant upward trend in the frequency of isolation of MDR bacteria from joint fluids during the study period. Conclusion: Although the frequency of joint fluid infections is not very high, there is still a predominance of staphylococcus aureus. We therefore suggest combining these antibiotics during empirical treatment until definitive culture results are available

Septic arthritis , antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Joint Fluids,