[Mycobacterium fortuitum infection after total hip prosthesis. A report of 3 cases (author's transl)].

The authors have observed three instances of sepsis due to Mycobacterium fortuitum complicating total hip replacement for osteoarthritis. The case histories are fully described. The requirements are given for recognition of the organism which grows on special culture media and which may be mistaken for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This feature explains why, in some cases, the organism may not be discovered. Antibiotics were ineffective but the general condition of the patient was not greatly affected.