Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis by the polymerase chain reaction in swabs and urine from men with non-gonococcal urethritis.
A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed for Chlamydia trachomatis in which a 380 base pair DNA fragment was amplified. Amplification occurred with the DNA from the 15 serovars but not with that from other Chlamydia spp or with DNA from a variety of other organisms. Chlamydial DNA (10(-16) g) could be detected and the PCR seemed to be able to detect single organisms. Urethral swabs were obtained from 37 men with acute non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU), 18 (49%) of whom were positive for C trachomatis by MicroTrak. As a result of clinical re-examinations 65 urethral swabs were available for analysis by the PCR. In comparison with MicroTrak, PCR had a sensitivity of 95%, a specificity of 94%, a positive predictive value of 86% and a negative predictive value of 98%. The PCR was apparently less sensitive (82%) in tests on urine samples. Overall, however, values of sensitivity and specificity of the PCR compared favourably with those of MicroTrak. The PCR for C trachomatis is likely to be a valuable technique for research, but problems of DNA contamination suggest that it should not be recommended for routine diagnosis.
Palmer
H M
HM
Division of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Clinical Research Centre, Harrow, Middlesex.
Gilroy
C B
CB
Thomas
B J
BJ
Hay
P E
PE
Gilchrist
C
C
Taylor-Robinson
D
D
D001483:Base Sequence; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology*; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D015342:DNA Probes; D004587:Electrophoresis, Agar Gel; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014521:Urethra / Q000382:microbiology*; D014526:Urethritis / Q000382:microbiology*; D014556:Urine / Q000382:microbiology*
D015342:DNA Probes