Comparison of an automated enzyme immunoassay with a direct fluorescent antibody test and polymerase chain reaction for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in diagnostic specimens from male patients.
Endourethral swabs and first-pass urine (FPU) samples from 148 male patients were tested for Chlamydia trachomatis by an automated enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (Vidas; bioMérieux, France), a direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) test (MicroTrak; Syva, USA) and two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. Chlamydia trachomatis was considered present if a specimen was positive by at least two methods. This expanded criterion identified 27 patients (18%) as truly infected. One of the PCR methods was most sensitive for both types of specimen. When the recommended cut-off value of Vidas was reduced by 50%, its sensitivity on endourethral swabs was comparable to that of the DFA test, but the DFA test performed better with FPU. In general, FPU was suitable only for PCR.
Tong
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Department of Medical Microbiology and Genito-Urinary Medicine, University of Liverpool, UK.
Valentine
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Arya
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D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000652:urine; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D019085:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014521:Urethra / Q000382:microbiology