title: Molecular imaging of bacterial infections in vivo: the discrimination of infection from inflammation.
abstract: Molecular imaging by definition is the visualization of molecular and cellular processes within a given system. The modalities and reagents described here represent a diverse array spanning both pre-clinical and clinical applications. Innovations in probe design and technologies would greatly benefit therapeutic outcomes by enhancing diagnostic accuracy and assessment of acute therapy. Opportunistic pathogens continue to pose a worldwide threat, despite advancements in treatment strategies, which highlights the continued need for improved diagnostics. In this review, we present a summary of the current clinical protocol for the imaging of a suspected infection, methods currently in development to optimize this imaging process, and finally, insight into endocarditis as a model of infectious disease in immediate need of improved diagnostic methods.
authors.affiliation: Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849.
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Eggleston
authors.affiliation: Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Panizzi
keywords: Endocarditis; Infection; Inflammation; Molecular Imaging; Staphylococcus aureus