New Promising Targets for Imaging in Infection
Honest Ndlovu1, Ismaheel O Lawal2, Kgomotso M G Mokoala1
1Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI), Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa; Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria & Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa.
Abstract:
The diagnosis of infection is crucial in-patient survival, prevention of prolonged hospitalization and undue morbidity and mortality. This can be achieved using various tools target at the specific microbes or the host immune response components. The most useful tool will be one that diagnoses the specific causative microbe by being able to distinguish sterile inflammation from infection which by itself causes inflammation. This allows timeous institution of the appropriate and effective antimicrobial therapy, effectively reducing the incidence of antimicrobial resistance. Current standard of care diagnostic tools such as inflammatory markers, culture, morphological imaging and molecular imaging tools has specific shortcomings which necessities enlist other tools to complement them. Various targets for infection imaging have been explored and demonstrated variable utilities in the preclinical or clinical settings. This review will discuss the relevant targets in bacteria, fungi and viruses and delve into the promising or novel molecular imaging tools.
Insights
Accurate infection diagnosis is vital for patient survival and preventing antimicrobial resistance. Novel molecular imaging tools show promise in distinguishing infection from sterile inflammation, guiding effective antimicrobial therapy.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Infection diagnosis is critical for patient survival, reducing hospitalization, and preventing mortality.
- Current diagnostic methods like inflammatory markers, culture, and imaging have limitations.
- Distinguishing infection from sterile inflammation is key for appropriate antimicrobial therapy and combating resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and novel molecular imaging tools for diagnosing infections.
- To explore targets in bacteria, fungi, and viruses for infection detection.
- To highlight the potential of advanced imaging in complementing standard diagnostic approaches.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on infection imaging targets.
- Discussion of various molecular imaging modalities and their applications.
- Analysis of shortcomings of current diagnostic standards.
Main Results:
- Various targets for infection imaging have been explored with variable preclinical and clinical utility.
- Molecular imaging offers potential to differentiate sterile inflammation from infection.
- Novel tools can guide timely and effective antimicrobial treatment.
Conclusions:
- Molecular imaging holds significant promise for improving infection diagnosis.
- Advanced imaging techniques are essential to complement existing diagnostic tools.
- Further development of molecular imaging can reduce antimicrobial resistance and improve patient outcomes.
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