Comparison of a chemiluminometric immunoassay with culture for diagnosis of chlamydial infections in infants.
The performance of Magic Lite (CIBA-Corning), a chemiluminescent immunoassay (CIA), was compared with that of culture for the diagnosis of neonatal chlamydial conjunctivitis and respiratory infection. We performed a retrospective evaluation of 51 ocular and 96 nasopharyngeal specimens previously collected for culture testing with the CIA. The sensitivities for the ocular and the nasopharyngeal specimens were 91 and 91.7%, respectively. The specificities for both sites were 100%. A subsequent prospective study evaluating 71 ocular and 38 nasopharyngeal specimens revealed sensitivities of 83.3 and 20%, respectively. The specificities for both sites were 100%. The CIA performed favorably, compared with culture, for the diagnosis of chlamydial conjunctivitis; however, the CIA appeared less sensitive for the diagnosis of respiratory infection, including pneumonia.
Dumornay
W
W
Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, State University of New York Health Science Center, Brooklyn 11203.
Roblin
P M
PM
Gelling
M
M
Hammerschlag
M R
MR
Worku
M
M
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000379:methods; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008163:Luminescent Measurements; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial