Combination of host response and direct antigen detection for detection of infection caused by fastidious organisms

A method for detecting infection, the method comprising:

• testing a synovial fluid sample for the presence of a predetermined pathogen;
• testing the synovial fluid sample for a measure of infection;
• determining a rank score based on the results of the testing for the presence of the predetermined pathogen and the results of the testing for a measure of infection;
• determining if the rank score is above a threshold;
• and treating the infection if the rank score is above the threshold, wherein
• an infection is present if the rank score is above the threshold and the testing for the presence of a predetermined pathogen does not comprise microbiological culture.

A method for detecting infection, the method comprising:

• testing a synovial fluid sample for the presence of a predetermined pathogen;
• testing the synovial fluid sample for a measure of infection;
• and
• determining a likelihood of infection based on the results of the testing for the presence of the predetermined pathogen and the results of the testing for a measure of infection.