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Published on: September 19, 2013
Imaging bacterial infection with (99m)Tc-ciprofloxacin (Infecton)
K E Britton1, D W Wareham, S S Das
1St Bartholomew's Hospital, West Smithfield, London EC1A 7BE, UK.
Aims:
The diagnosis of deep seated bacterial infections, such as intra-abdominal abscesses, endocarditis, and osteomyelitis, can be difficult and delayed, thereby compromising effective treatment. This study assessed the efficacy of a new radioimaging agent, Tc-99m ciprofloxacin (Infecton), in accurately detecting sites of bacterial infection.
Methods:
Eight hundred and seventy nine patients with suspected bacterial infection underwent Infecton imaging and microbiological evaluation. The sensitivity and specificity of Infecton in detecting sites of bacterial infection were determined with respect to Centres of Disease Control, World Health Organisation, and Dukes's criteria.
Results:
Five hundred and seventy four positive and 295 negative images were produced. These included 528 true positives, 46 false positives, 205 true negatives and 90 false negatives, giving an overall sensitivity of 85.4% and a specificity of 81.7% for detecting infective foci. Sensitivity was higher (87.6%) in microbiologically confirmed infections.
Conclusions:
Infecton is a sensitive technique, which aids in the earlier detection and treatment of a wide variety of deep seated bacterial infections. The ability to localise infective foci accurately is also important for surgical intervention, such as drainage of abscesses. In addition, serial imaging with Infecton might be useful in monitoring clinical response and optimising the duration of antimicrobial treatment.
Insights
Tc-99m ciprofloxacin (Infecton) imaging effectively detects deep bacterial infections, improving early diagnosis and treatment. This sensitive radioimaging agent aids in locating infection sites for surgical intervention and monitoring treatment response.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear medicine
- Infectious disease diagnostics
- Radiopharmacology
Background:
- Deep-seated bacterial infections like abscesses, endocarditis, and osteomyelitis present diagnostic challenges, often leading to delayed treatment.
- Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for effective management and improved patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of Tc-99m ciprofloxacin (Infecton) in detecting bacterial infections.
- To determine the sensitivity and specificity of Infecton imaging for identifying infectious foci.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 879 patients with suspected bacterial infections who underwent Infecton imaging and microbiological evaluation.
- Diagnostic performance was assessed against established criteria (CDC, WHO, Duke's).
Main Results:
- Infecton imaging demonstrated an overall sensitivity of 85.4% and specificity of 81.7% in detecting infective foci.
- Higher sensitivity (87.6%) was observed in microbiologically confirmed infections.
- The imaging produced 528 true positives, 46 false positives, 205 true negatives, and 90 false negatives.
Conclusions:
- Tc-99m ciprofloxacin (Infecton) is a sensitive radioimaging agent for early detection of deep-seated bacterial infections.
- Accurate localization of infection sites with Infecton is valuable for surgical planning, such as abscess drainage.
- Serial Infecton imaging may assist in monitoring treatment response and optimizing antimicrobial therapy duration.
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