acute inflammation of one or more joints (joint) caused by infection.In septic arthritis the joints are swollen, hot, sore, and pus-filled; the condition may occur following infection by such bacteria as Streptococcus, staphylococcus, pneumococcus, Gonococcus, or meningococcus. Pus produced in response to infection erodes articular cartilages; since articular cartilages have almost no regenerative capacity, permanent damage may result if treatment is delayed. Treatment includes antimicrobial drug therapy and drainage and rest of the joint.