Pharmacy News Article

2009 NOV 27 - (NewsRx.com) Fresh data on biopsy are presented in the report 'Real-time PCR strategy and detection of bacterial agents of lymphadenitis.' "The aim of this study was to compare 16 S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing with a systematic real-time PCR assay screening strategy that includes all common known pathogens recovered from lymph node biopsy specimens (see also Biopsy). Lymph node biopsy samples sent to our laboratory from January 2007 to December 2008 were tested in the study," investigators in France report.

"Lymph nodes were screened for the presence of any bacteria by PCR amplification and sequencing targeting the 16 S rRNA gene and also by a specific real-time PCR strategy that includes Bartonella henselae, mycobacteria, Francisella tularensis, and Tropheryma whipplei. By testing 491 lymph nodes, we found that the sensitivity of our specific real-time PCR assay strategy was significantly higher than 16 S rRNA PCR amplification and sequencing for the detection of Bartonella henselae (142 vs 98; p<10(-4)), Francisella tularensis (16 vs 10, p<10(-4)), and mycobacteria (8 versus 3, p<10(-4)). None of the samples was positive for Tropheryma whipplei," wrote E. Angelakis and colleagues, .

The researchers concluded: "Our study demonstrates the usefulness and specificity of a systematic real-time PCR strategy for molecular analysis of lymph node biopsy specimens and the higher sensitivity compared with standard 16 S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing."

Angelakis and colleagues published their study in European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (Real-time PCR strategy and detection of bacterial agents of lymphadenitis. European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 2009;28(11):1363-8).

For additional information, contact E. Angelakis, Universite de la Mediterranee, URMITE CNRS-IRD UMR 6236, Faculte de Medecine et de Pharmacie, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille Cedex 05, France.

The publisher of the European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases can be contacted at: Springer, 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013, USA.