Genetic susceptibility to prosthetic joint infection following total joint arthroplasty: A systematic review

•This is the first systematic review exploring genetic factors of PJI.•Nine studies involving 34 kinds of gene polymorphisms are included.•Several genes contribute to the genetic susceptibility to PJI following total joint arthroplasty.•This study will enrich studies of gene polymorphisms in PJI.

BackgroundProsthetic joint infection (PJI) is the most common cause of total joint arthroplasty failure and revision surgery. Genetic polymorphisms could be determinant factors for PJI.MethodsWe performed a systematic research of Medline, Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, and identified 11 studies with 34 kinds of gene polymorphisms, were included in the synthesis.ResultsOur data suggest that the C allele and genotype C/C for MBL-550 SNP, genotype A/A for MBL-54 SNP and G allele for MBL-221 SNP increase the risk of PJI, while G allele and genotype G/G for MBL-550 SNP decrease the risk of PJI in Caucasian populations. Several other genes reported by single-center studies also contribute to the genetic susceptibility to septic PJI. No definitive conclusions could be achieved due to the small amount of data in the included studies.ConclusionSeveral genes contribute to the genetic susceptibility to PJI following total joint arthroplasty. Further studies will enhance the understanding of PJI, and may inform and direct early interventions.