OBJECTIVE, @entity1 AND METHODS: We studied retrospectively four @entity1 with @entity625 of the knee, the role of PCR for the detection of @entity2069 DNA and its influence on further therapeutic decisions. RESULTS: All four @entity1 with @entity625 suffered from knee @entity158 and effusions. None of them remembered having had a tick bite or an @entity8831 . The diagnosis was confirmed by positive serology and in three cases by detection of @entity2069 DNA by PCR analysis of the joint fluid. In one @entity1 , PCR was also positive in the synovial tissue. Because of persistent symptoms after adequate antibiotic therapy, PCR was repeated in the joint fluid of two @entity1 . In one @entity1 a positive PCR suggested an ongoing @entity281 . Thus, the antibiotic treatment was changed. A further PCR was negative. Symptoms resolved slowly in all @entity1 over a time of two to seven months after the end of the antibiotic treatment. CONCLUSION: PCR to detect @entity2069 DNA in synovial fluid or tissue respectively is a helpful tool for the diagnosis of @entity625 . Moreover, in @entity1 with refractory @entity625 PCR may be helpful in monitoring the course of the disease.

[The role of PCR for the diagnosis of XXXX ].

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients', 'patient', 'PATIENTS'] @entity625 :: ('MESH:D001168', 'Disease') :: ['Lyme arthritis'] @entity2069 :: ('139', 'Species') :: ['B. burgdorferi'] @entity8831 :: ('MESH:C538499', 'Disease') :: ['erythema migrans'] @entity281 :: ('MESH:D007239', 'Disease') :: ['infection'] @entity158 :: ('MESH:D010146', 'Disease') :: ['pain']
@entity625 :: (MESH:D001168,Disease) :: ['Lyme arthritis']
