2-[18F]F-p-Aminobenzoic Acid Specifically Detects Infective Endocarditis in Positron Emission Tomography.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a life-threatening disease with high mortality, particularly when caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S aureus). Traditional diagnosis relies on clinical assessment, blood cultures, and imaging (eg, echocardiography) but lacks methods for direct bacterial detection on the endothelium. Positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography is emerging as valuable in unclear IE cases. This study evaluates 2-[18F]F-p-aminobenzoic acid (2-[18F]F-PABA), a bacteria-specific PET tracer, for detecting IE.

Methods

In vitro assays measured 2-[18F]F-PABA uptake by S aureus, distinguishing living bacteria from dead cells. A mouse model of IE provided proof-of-concept PET/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data for diagnosing IE. Additionally, a subcu

SUBMITTER: Schulte J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11911914 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature