Absence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA in synovial fluid from patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Objectives-To determine whether Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA can be detected in synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods-The polymerase chain reaction was applied to cellular components of synovial fluid. Results-No evidence of M tuberculosis DNA was found in synovial fluid from 31 patients with RA and 13 control patients. Conclusion-The findings do not support a role for persistent M tuberculosis infection in the pathogenesis of RA.