Fungus in the Hip

According to the International Journal of Medical Sciences, fungal infections of the hip are rare, except in individuals with a weakened immune system. Fungal infection of the hip may have different sources and effects.

Effects

• Fungus in the hip may cause infectious arthritis or osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis is the medical term for infection of the bone marrow or bone itself, while infectious arthritis involves the fluid and tissues of a joint.

Osteomyelitis Causes

• Fungal diseases are named after the specific fungus at their root. According to Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology, fungal diseases that commonly cause osteomyelitis include coccidioidomycosis, blastomycosis, cryptococcosis, candidiasis and sporotrichosis.

Infection Routes

• According to the Merck Manuals of Medical Information, the different ways a fungus may reach the hip to cause osteomyelitis include via the bloodstream; via a neighboring damaged organ; or direct invasion via contaminated artificial joints, metal implants, open fractures or hip surgery.

Infectious Arthritis Causes

• Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology indicates that infectious arthritis of fungal origin is most often associated with sporotrichosis, coccidioidomycosis, blastomycosis and candidiasis. Infectious arthritis of the hip may also result from direct contamination during surgery, injection or injury.

Symptoms and Treatment

• Different types of fungi may vary in the specific symptoms they cause. According to the Merck Manuals of Medical Information, common symptoms include fever, chills, bone pain and joint pain. Treatment involves anti-fungal therapy.