Molecular diagnosis of bacterial infective endocarditis in tabriz, azerbaijan.

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to analyze a PCR based approach for detection of infective endocarditis in Azerbaijan. METHODS Ten aortic valves, 8 mitral valves and 2 tricuspid valves, were analyzed for the presence of bacterial infective endocarditis using Gram staining, culture and PCR methods. RESULTS Of the 20 valves, 5 and 4 cases were positive by Gram staining and culture assay, respectively. Bacterial DNA was positive in 12 of the 20 valves (60%) by broad-spectrum PCR. Direct sequencing for species identification was possible in 10 cases. CONCLUSION PCR and direct molecular identification of the etiological agents responsible for infective endocarditis may enable specific treatment to begin at an earlier phase of the disease.