The value of urine samples from men with non-gonococcal urethritis for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis.
Chlamydia trachomatis was sought at first and subsequent clinic visits in urethral swabs and urines from 112 heterosexual men with acute non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU). In comparison with a urethral swab tested by Micro Trak (MT), a urine deposit tested in the same way was 90% as sensitive. Examining a urine deposit by the enzyme immunoassay IDEIA was a little less sensitive (89%) than examining a similar deposit by MT, and was less sensitive (82%) than examining a urethral swab by MT. The results of testing urines were little influenced by collecting them either before or after swabbing the urethra, and there was evidence that examining all of a urine sample by IDEIA would have increased sensitivity. Overall, 55 (49%) of the men were diagnosed as C trachomatis-positive based on the results of testing both a urethral swab and a urine sample. Furthermore, a small numbers of chlamydiae were detected by examining urine by MT and, to a lesser extent, by IDEIA, so that there is no reason why this non-invasive approach should not be successful in men other than those with acute NGU.
Hay
P E
PE
Division of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Clinical Research Centre, Harrow, Middlesex, UK.
Thomas
B J
BJ
Gilchrist
C
C
Palmer
H M
HM
Gilroy
C B
CB
Taylor-Robinson
D
D
D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods; D014521:Urethra / Q000382:microbiology; D014526:Urethritis / Q000382:microbiology*; D014556:Urine / Q000382:microbiology*
D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic