title: Comparison of different methods for the detection of antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis in human sera.
abstract: Different methods for the detection of IgG antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis were compared as to their specificity, sensitivity and efficacy. A modified microimmunofluorescence test (MIF) was used as a reference method. Two commercial ELISA tests kits (Chlamyset-antibody EIA, Orion, Finland and Chlamydelisa, Whittacker M.A. Bioproducts, USA), the complement fixation test (CFT) and five self-made ELISA tests with CFT antigens were compared with the reference method and with each other. In comparison to the reference method, the Chlamyset was found to be the most useful method. Three of the ELISA tests with CFT antigens were statistically comparable with the Chlamyset and the CFT, but the two others showed statistically significant differences. The Chlamydelisa and the MIF showed great differences from all other methods. The Chlamydelisa was very sensitive but apparently unspecific. Possible reasons for the different results are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Jena.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nichterlein
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Recknagel
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Brunnemann
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wehr
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Vogt
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Straube
mesh_terms: D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000097:blood*; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000276:immunology*; D003168:Complement Fixation Tests; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007106:Immune Sera / Q000276:immunology; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
chemical_list: D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D007106:Immune Sera; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic