Initial therapy for native bone or joint infection caused by other pathogens

The recommendations below apply to osteomyelitis of native bone, or septic arthritis of a native joint, when infection is caused by pathogens other than Staphylococcus aureus or Kingella kingae. For adults and children, modify therapy based on the results of culture and susceptibility testing. While awaiting the results of culture and susceptibility testing, seek expert advice for the choice of intravenous therapy.

The suggested duration of antibiotic therapy and timing of oral switch for patients with native bone or joint infection depends on whether the patient has osteomyelitis or septic arthritis.

Directed therapy regimens for native bone and joint infection caused by other pathogens are included in these guidelines for:

• Brucella species, see Brucellosis
• Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas species, see Native bone and joint infection caused by Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas species
• Gonococcal species, see Gonococcal septic arthritis
• Salmonella species, see Native bone and joint infection caused by Salmonella species
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis, see Tuberculosis for general advice on managing tuberculous infections.

For directed therapy for native bone and joint infection caused by Candida species or other fungi, seek expert advice.