Fungal or mycotic arthritis is a very rare condition and may be caused by any of the invasive fungi, including coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, cryptococcosis, candidiasis, and sporotrichosis. These organisms may affect bone or joint tissue. One or more joints may be affected.

The large weight-bearing joints, especially the knee, are most commonly affected. The infection usually occurs as a result of an infection in another organ, frequently the lungs, and tends to progress very slowly.

• joint swelling
• joint stiffness
• joint pain
• arthritis
• ankle, feet, and leg swelling

• A culture of joint fluid that grows fungus
• A joint X-ray showing joint changes
• A synovial biopsy showing fungus
• Positive antibody test (serology) for fungal disease
• Skin tests

The objective of treatment is to cure the infection with anti-fungal medication. Amphotericin B or medications in the azole family (fluconazole, ketoconazole, or itraconazole) are frequently used anti-fungal medications.

Chronic or advanced bone or joint infection may require surgical removal (debridement) of infected tissue.