Development of PCR assays for the detection of bacteria in joint fluid
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development and validation of a real time multiplex piolymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the detection of bacteria in joint fluids.
IRAS ID
164185
Contact name
Victoria McCune
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 1 days
Research summary
The purpose of this project is to validate a new method, a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, for the detection of bacteria from synovial (joint) fluid. Joint fluid samples are sent to the microbiology laboratory when infection of the joint is suspected. These samples are currently tested for the presence of bacteria using culture. Culture can be falsely negative, particularly when the patient has received antibiotics prior to the sample being taken or when the infection is caused by organisms which are difficult to grow on routine culture media. In cases like these, the choice of antibiotic used for patient treatment is empirical (i.e. the clinician’s best guess). To improve patient management, our laboratory uses 16S PCR with sequencing to detect bacteria in culture negative samples. PCR assays detect DNA, from living and dead microorganisms, giving an advantage over culture methods. Indentifying bacteria in joint samples allows better antibiotic choices, specific to the organism that has been detected. 16S PCR is slower and less sensitive than multiplex PCR. Implementing a multiplex PCR assay for the more common bacterial causes of joint infection may allow for faster and more accurate diagnosis of culture negative samples, thus improving patient treatment. To validate the assay, 100 joint fluid samples will be collected prospectively as they are tested in the laboratory for culture. They will be psuedoanonymised by a co-investigator and then tested using the new multiplex PCR and 16S PCR sequencing. The results of testing by culture, multiplex PCR and 16S PCR sequencing will then be compared to assess if the multiplex PCR is useful for the diagnosis of joint infection.
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
15/WA/0027
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jan 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion