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Updated: Apr 11, 2026
Culturing and Measuring Fetal and Newborn Murine Long Bones
Published on: April 26, 2019
Prolonging culture to 15 days improves bacterial detection in bone and joint infections
L Drago1, E De Vecchi, L Cappelletti
1Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Microbiology, IRCCS Galeazzi Orthopaedic Institute, Via R. Galeazzi 4, 20161, Milan, Italy, lorenzo.drago@unimi.it.
Abstract:
Since the optimal incubation period of cultures for diagnosis of bone and joint infections is still a matter of debate, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of different incubation periods (5 and 15 days) on microbial isolation. Samples from 387 patients with bone and joint infections (including prosthetic ones) were analyzed from March 2012 to February 2014. In 197 patients (51 %) growth was obtained within 48 hrs, while in 124 (32 %) and 66 (17 %) patients cultures yielded positive results within and after 5 days of incubation, respectively. Of 449 microorganisms isolated, 247 grew within 48 hrs, 131 within the first 5 days of incubation while 71 were isolated after 5 days. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated pathogen within 48 hrs, while Propionibacteria were prevalently isolated after 5 days of incubation. Interestingly, about 25 % of microorganisms isolated after 5 days of incubation were coagulase-negative staphylococci. Extending incubation period of broth cultures improves isolation rates of pathogens involved in bone and joint infections thus improving management of these infections.
Insights
Extending incubation for bone and joint infection cultures to 15 days significantly improves pathogen detection. This enhanced microbial isolation aids in better diagnosis and management of these complex infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedics
Background:
- The optimal incubation period for diagnosing bone and joint infections remains debated.
- Current practices may not maximize pathogen recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of extended incubation periods (5 and 15 days) on microbial isolation rates in bone and joint infections.
- To identify pathogens with delayed growth patterns.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of samples from 387 patients with bone and joint infections between March 2012 and February 2014.
- Comparison of microbial growth within 48 hours, within 5 days, and after 5 days of incubation.
Main Results:
- 51% of infections showed growth within 48 hours.
- 32% grew within 5 days, and 17% grew after 5 days.
- Delayed growth (after 5 days) was significant for Propionibacteria and coagulase-negative staphylococci.
Conclusions:
- Extending incubation to 15 days increases the isolation rate of pathogens.
- Improved pathogen detection through extended incubation can enhance the management of bone and joint infections.
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