PCR Results Not Often Positive in Culture-Negative Bone and Joint Samples

Among negative cultures from suspected osteoarticular infections, PCR identified an organism in only 9% of cases — most often staphylococci, streptococci, or anaerobes.

Identifying the causative microbiological agent of bone and joint infections can be difficult, particularly if antibiotic therapy already has been given or if fastidious organisms are involved and routine bacterial cultures are negative. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, followed by specific genetic sequencing, have been developed to detect some of those bacteria.

Investigators in France tested the accuracy of 16S ribosomal DNA PCR in testing bone and joint samples collected prospectively from 2308 patients with suspected osteoarticular infections between November 2007 and October 2009. Each sample was cultured; 16S rDNA PCR was performed by day 6 if the culture was negative.

By day 15, cultures were positive in 741 patients (32%) and n…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

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Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

PCR Results Not Often Positive in Culture-Negative Bone and Joint Samples

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Reviewing Author