Birmingham, United Kingdom, Nov 11, 2009 – Finnish molecular diagnostics company Mobidiag releases rapid microarray solution for identifying bacteria responsible for bone and joint infections (BJIs). Enhancing the test panel with targets such as Kingella kingae and Propionibacterium acnes adds new capabilities to Mobidiag’s assay. Prove-it™ Sepsis application for Bone and Joint infections includes simultaneous identification of altogether 64 bacterial targets in a single assay thus providing comprehensive view of the infection causing bacteria quickly and accurately.

BJIs, such as osteomyelitis and septic arthritis, are severe infections requiring immediate medical attention. Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone or bone marrow while septic arthritis is a fluid and tissue joint infection. These infections occur most commonly in young children and in older people, but all age groups are at risk. Rapid microbiological diagnostics is the cornerstone for effective treatment.
“Every year, more than 600,000 people suffer from osteomyelitis or septic arthritis within the EU,” said Jaakko Pellosniemi, CEO of Mobidiag. “There certainly is a demand for an accurate, rapid and sensitive system that can replace the current labor intensive and time-consuming culture techniques in BJI diagnostics. Slow-growing and anaerobic bacteria are cumbersome groups to identify with conventional culturing methods. In addition, previous antibiotic therapy often leads to high failure rate and false negative results,” Pellosniemi continued.

By contrast, Mobidiag’s three-hour assay identifies bacteria directly from a DNA sample of a bone biopsy or synovial fluid. This concept will be invaluable in the Intensive Care Units where rapid and accurate identification of fastidious bacteria is critical. Short diagnosis time equals to rapid implementation of targeted antimicrobial treatment and consequently, great benefit to the patient.

Prove-it™ Sepsis application for Bone and Joint infections has been studied in Hospices Civils de Lyon in France by analyzing 350 articular fluid and bone biopsy samples with impressive results. The assay covers 94 % of BJI causing bacteria in articular specimen and 81 % in the bone, respectively. What is more, the Prove-it test result is delivered to the clinician on average 2-3 days faster when compared to the conventional analysis. “Mobidiag’s rapid technology will truly improve the treatment of these common and severe infections and has all the potential to revolutionize current clinical laboratory testing,” Pellosniemi said.

The Prove-it™ Sepsis application for Bone and Joint infections was developed in co-operation with Hospices Civils de Lyon, France.

Contact:
CEO Jaakko Pellosniemi, Mobidiag Ltd, tel. 358 40 501 1004, jaakko.pellosniemi@mobidiag.com

Mobidiag Ltd is a Finnish biotechnology company developing, producing and marketing rapid diagnostic tests to hospital laboratories. The company focuses on detection of serious infections with DNA-tests. www.mobidiag.com.