Bacterial DNA in Synovial Tissue of Tunisian Arthritis Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Siala Mariam, Jaulhac Benoit, Gdoura Radhouane, Sibilia Jean, Fourati Hela, Younes Mohamed, Baklouti Sofien, Bargaoui Naceur, Sellami Slaheddine, Znazen Abir, Barthel Cathy, Collin Elody, Hammami Adnane, Sghir Abdelghani
Primary Institution: Laboratoire de Recherche 'Micro-organismes et Pathologie Humaine', EPS Habib Bourguiba, Sfax, Tunisia
Hypothesis
Can bacterial DNA be detected in the synovial tissue of patients with reactive and undifferentiated arthritis?
Conclusion
The study found bacterial DNA in 75% of synovial tissue samples from patients with reactive arthritis and undifferentiated arthritis, including species not previously associated with these conditions.
Supporting Evidence
- Bacterial DNA was found in 75% of synovial tissue samples.
- 68 different bacterial species were identified in reactive arthritis and undifferentiated arthritis samples.
- DNA from Shigella flexneri and Shigella sonnei was detected in patients with reactive arthritis.
- Most detected bacteria were skin or intestinal bacteria.
- Control samples had significantly fewer positive results for bacterial DNA.
Takeaway
Doctors looked for bacteria in the joints of sick people and found a lot of different bacteria, some of which might be making them sick.
Methodology
Synovial tissue samples from 28 patients were analyzed using broad-range PCR, cloning, and sequencing to detect bacterial DNA.
Potential Biases
Potential contamination during sample collection and processing could affect results.
Limitations
The study did not detect genitourinary tract bacterial sequences in patients with a history of related infections.
Participant Demographics
Patients included 6 with reactive arthritis, 9 with undifferentiated arthritis, and a control group of 13 with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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