Induction of mycobacteremia by intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin instillation in an experimental animal model and detection with polymerase chainreaction

Purpose: The aim of this study was to detect mycobacteremia by polymerase c hain reaction (PCR), induced by the instillation of bacillus Calmette-Gueri n (BCG) to guinea pig bladder. We also investigated the peak time and the e ffect of the dose of BCG in injured and non-injured bladder. The sensitivit ies of routine culture and PGR were also compared. Materials and Methods: Five different doses (0, 0.069, 0.69, 6.9 and 69 mg, ) of BCG were instilled into 5 injured and 5 non-injured bladders. Blood sa mples were collected at 0, 5, 15, 30 and 60 minutes following instillation for routine culture and PCR for each dose. A total of 50 female guinea pigs were used. Results: Three of 5 samples (60%) obtained 30 minutes after the instillatio n of 69 mg. BCG into injured bladders were PCR positive. Furthermore, 4 of 5 samples (80%) were PCR positive when samples were obtained at the 60(th) minute following instillation. All the other samples were negative for PCR and routine culture. All the routine tuberculosis culture results were nega tive, including those which were PCR positive. Conclusions: Mycobacteremia was detected only in injured bladders and with high doses of BCG. PCR is a highly sensitive and rapid diagnostic method fo r detection of mycobacteremia.