A previous study in South Africa showed the prevalence of HIV related osteo-articular sepsis in children to be around 20% with a high prevalence of Streptococcus pneumoniae (38%) in HIV positive patients. This initial study was conducted at the same time that the polyvalent S pneumoniae vaccine was introduced to the EPI in South Africa (2009). The aim of the current study was to review the epidemiology of osteo-articular infections at two hospitals after the introduction of this vaccine. A retrospective review of patients presenting to two hospitals, between July 2009 and January 2013, with acute osteo-articular sepsis and pus at arthrotomy. The NHLS laboratory results were reviewed for microscopy, culture and sensitivity as well as white cell count (WCC), C reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).Introduction
Methods
