Use of polymerase chain reaction to diagnose tuberculous arthritis from joint tissues and synovial fluid.

CONTEXT

Tuberculosis of the joints and bones is a significant worldwide problem, often leading to joint and bone destruction. The diagnosis of this disease manifestation is difficult.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the role of conventional diagnostics compared to polymerase chain reaction applied to samples obtained at arthroscopy.

DESIGN

This was an open observational study that was blinded to the microbiologist, histopathologist, and molecular biologist responsible for assessing the main outcome measures.

PATIENTS

Seven patients (8 samples) with joint and bone tuberculosis and 14 patients (16 samples) with nontuberculous joint and bone disease.

INTERVENTION

Arthroscopic examination and tissue sample collection.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Mycobacterium tuberculosis staining, culture, and histopathologic assessment of caseating granulomas vs polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Polymerase chain reaction was positive in all cases of true tuberculosis and falsely identified 2 samples as positive, both however, in patients who had lung tuberculosis in the past.

CONCLUSIONS

Conventional bacteriological methods for demonstration of M tuberculosis are not very sensitive and can be time-consuming. Polymerase chain reaction of arthroscopically obtained joint tissue biopsies appears promising in the early diagnosis of tuberculous arthritis.