Identification of <i>neisseria gonorrhoeae</i> in synovial fluid using the polymerase chain reaction

Abstract

These findings demonstrate the potential utility of the PCR in confirming the clinical diagnosis of gonococcal arthritis as well as providing insight into the pathogenesis of this disorder in patients whose SF are sterile by standard culture techniques. PCR may also prove helpful in differentiating N gonorrhoeae arthritis from acute Reiter's syndrome.