Efficacy of a novel PCR- and microarray-based method in diagnosis of a prosthetic joint infection.BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
 Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods enable detection and species identification of many pathogens.  We assessed the efficacy of a new PCR and microarray-based platform for detection of bacteria in prosthetic joint infections (PJIs).


 Of the 38 patients, the PCR detected bacteria in 31 whereas bacterial culture was positive in 28 patients.  When antimicrobial treatment had lasted 4 days or more, PCR detected bacteria in 6 of the 9 patients, but positive cultures were noted in only 2 of the 9 patients.  All PCR results for the controls were negative.  Of the 61 suspected PJIs, there were false-positive PCR results in 6 cases.


 Without preceding treatment with antimicrobials, PCR and microarray-based assay did not appear to give any additional information over culture.
PCR
Efficacy of a novel PCR- and microarray-based method in diagnosis of a prosthetic joint infection.BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
 We assessed the efficacy of a new PCR and microarray-based platform for detection of bacteria in prosthetic joint infections (PJIs).


 Without preceding treatment with antimicrobials, PCR and microarray-based assay did not appear to give any additional information over culture.
microarray
142 samples were analyzed by Prove-it Bone and Joint assay. 
Prove-it Bone and Joint assay
38 of 61 suspected PJIs met the definition of PJI according to the MSIS criteria. 
MSIS criteria