T2MR PCR Detection of ESKAPE Pathogens in Patients With Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis and Infective Endocarditis

Direct Detection of ESKAPE Pathogens From Whole Blood Using T2MR Bacteria Panel in Patients With Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis and Infective Endocarditis

Our prospective observational study focuses on the rapid detection of etiologic agents of pyogenic spondylodiscitis and infective endocarditis using the T2 Bacteria Panel (T2Biosystems). This diagnostic method combines polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and T2 magnetic resonance for detection of bacterial DNA from whole blood samples. It detects six pathogens known by the acronym ESKAPE (E. coli, S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, and E. faecium). In recent years, similar studies using the Bacteria Panel and Candida Panel have been performed in patients with bloodstream infections, leaving us with optimistic results.The aim of this study is to verify whether T2B can identify the etiologic agents of localized infections, specifically spondylodiscitis and endocarditis, with better sensitivity and specificity and shorter time to result compared to conventional diagnostics from blood culture. Rapid detection of pathogen may reduce time to targeted pathogen-specific antibiotic therapy and subsequently improve outcomes, shorten the treatment and contribute to slowing the development of antibiotic resistance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of spondylodiscitis or/and facet joint infection or/and sacroileitis
• Diagnosis of infective endocarditis
• Antibiotic treatment not received or not longer than 24 hours
• Ability to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Spine infection or/and endocarditis not confirmed
• Antibiotic treatment longer than 24 hours
• Inability to give informed consent