Detection of Periprosthetic Infections With Use of Ribosomal RNA-Based Polymerase Chain Reaction

Abstract

With respect to current diagnostic tests, rRNA-based RT-qPCR demonstrated 100% specificity and positive predictive value with a sensitivity equivalent to that of intraoperative culture. The RT-qPCR signal followed bacterial culture trends but exhibited detectable level for seven days after sterilization, allowing for the detection of infection after the antibiotic administration. These findings indicate that rRNA RT-qPCR is a sensitive and reliable test that retains the universal detection and speciation of DNA-based methods while functioning as a viability indicator.