What is the general pharmacologic therapy for pyogenic arthritis?

What is the general pharmacologic therapy for pyogenic arthritis?

• A. Corticosteroids
• B. Antibiotics
• C. Antivirals
• D. Antifungals

Answer: (B)

Pyogenic arthritis is caused by a bacterial infection of the joint, so antibiotics are the central pharmacologic treatment. After obtaining joint fluid for culture, begin empiric broad‑spectrum intravenous antibiotics to cover common pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species, with coverage for Gram‑negatives adjusted for the patient’s risk factors. Once culture results are back, tailor the regimen to the organism. Antibiotics are started promptly and typically continued intravenously at first, then transitioned to oral therapy as the patient improves, for a course lasting several weeks to ensure eradication and to minimize joint damage. Drainage of the infected joint is also critical alongside antibiotics. Corticosteroids, antivirals, and antifungals are not the general therapy for pyogenic arthritis, since this condition is bacterial rather than viral or fungal.

Pyogenic arthritis is caused by a bacterial infection of the joint, so antibiotics are the central pharmacologic treatment. After obtaining joint fluid for culture, begin empiric broad‑spectrum intravenous antibiotics to cover common pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species, with coverage for Gram‑negatives adjusted for the patient’s risk factors. Once culture results are back, tailor the regimen to the organism. Antibiotics are started promptly and typically continued intravenously at first, then transitioned to oral therapy as the patient improves, for a course lasting several weeks to ensure eradication and to minimize joint damage. Drainage of the infected joint is also critical alongside antibiotics. Corticosteroids, antivirals, and antifungals are not the general therapy for pyogenic arthritis, since this condition is bacterial rather than viral or fungal.