Introduction

The invention applies the discovery of a combination of biomarkers that accurately identify the presence of a fracture-related infection (FRI). FRIs are generally seen in patients after surgery to introduce, replace or adjust an implant and their identification for subsequent treatment requires analysis of a blood sample, imaging, biopsy from two separate locations, tissue culture and histological analysis. The invention provides a method for detecting an FRI by analyzing a blood sample and quantifying the concentration of some proteins or recording an IR spectral profile.

Technical features

Embodiments of the invention include a system for detecting an FRI using antibodies, spectroscopic profiles or both, as well as methods for treating patients who have been identified as having an FRI. To simplify and reduce the number of tests required to diagnose an FRI, the invention provides a method for detecting and analysing biomarkers with specificity for FRI. In one implementation, the method involves the determination of some protein biomarkers. Each biomarker can be detected at a concentration threshold above or below a control concentration. In another embodiment, the spectroscopic profile in the mid infrared (MIR) of a plasma sample can be used through the construction of multivariate predictive models. TRL 3 – experimental proof of concept. TTM could be 1.5/2 years.

Possible Applications

• Biomedical-diagnostic field;
• Early diagnosis of the onset of fracture-related infections.

Advantages

• Accurate detection of a fracture infection by means of biomarkers with high specificity and sensitivity;
• Spectroscopic implementation represents a potential diagnostic screening tool for the point of care;
• No adjuvant required;
• Economics.