Radiolabeled p-Aminobenzoic Acid as a Marker to Detect Bacterial Endocarditis

In a mouse model, PET/MRI demonstrated increased uptake of [¹⁸F]-fluorodeoxyglucose–labeled p-aminobenzoic acid at the infected cardiac site.

Establishing the diagnosis of bacterial endocarditis can be difficult; indeed, recent guidelines have recommended additional techniques such as positron emission tomography/computed tomography with the tracer [¹⁸F] fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET/CT). However, this approach only detects increased metabolic activity and does not specifically target bacteria. Another potential marker is p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which is only accumulated by prokaryotes.

To assess 2-[¹⁸F]F-PABA as a tracer, a murine infective endocarditis (IE) model was created by lodging a suture thread in the left ventricular outflow tract followed 24 hours later with an intravenous injection of Staphylococcus aureus. Control mice had placement of the suture alone. Subsequent 2…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

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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)

Radiolabeled p-Aminobenzoic Acid as a Marker to Detect Bacterial Endocarditis

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