Multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction is more sensitive than conventional cultures and is an effective technique for differentiating the diagnosis between tuberculous vertebral osteomyelitis and brucellar vertebral osteomyelitis, according to a study published in Spine.
Researchers studied 15 vertebral samples from patients with TVO or BVO using multiplex PCR and conventional microbiologic techniques. The histopathologic findings were inconclusive in 28.6 percent of the cases with TVO or BVO, and cultures were positive in 73.3 percent of the cases.
Multiplex PCR correctly identified 14 of the 15 samples from patients and was negative in all the control samples.
Read the abstract about multiplex PCR.
Read other coverage on spine surgery studies:
- Study: C-1 Lateral Mass Screw Fixation Effective for Treating Instability in Pediatric Patients
- Iliac Wing Fixation Could Improve Lumbosacral Fusion Rates
- Hybrid Growing Rods May Decrease Complication Rate Among Young Spine Surgery Patients
Researchers studied 15 vertebral samples from patients with TVO or BVO using multiplex PCR and conventional microbiologic techniques. The histopathologic findings were inconclusive in 28.6 percent of the cases with TVO or BVO, and cultures were positive in 73.3 percent of the cases.
Multiplex PCR correctly identified 14 of the 15 samples from patients and was negative in all the control samples.
Read the abstract about multiplex PCR.
Read other coverage on spine surgery studies:
- Study: C-1 Lateral Mass Screw Fixation Effective for Treating Instability in Pediatric Patients
- Iliac Wing Fixation Could Improve Lumbosacral Fusion Rates
- Hybrid Growing Rods May Decrease Complication Rate Among Young Spine Surgery Patients