[Diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis infections in routine ambulatory care of a gynecologic-obstetrical clinic: comparison of genome, antigen and cell culture detection methods for various indications].
OBJECTIVE
Comparison of four different assays for routine diagnosis of urogenital Chlamydia trachomatis infections.


METHODS
Samples from 285 female patients were tested using each of the following tests: PCR (Amplicor Chlamydia trachomatis), ELFA (VIDAS Chlamydia), cell culture and direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA).


RESULTS
C. trachomatis was detected by PCR in 13 endocervical swab specimens obtained from 189 female patients (6.9%). Among 13 PCR-positive samples, 10 tested positive by cell culture and DFA, and 8 were positive by ELFA. For 3 patients with pregnancy-related complications, a positive result was obtained by PCR only. Each of the 96 urethral swabs proved to be negative.


CONCLUSIONS
PCR is more sensitive than cell culture, DFA and ELFA, especially in the context of C. trachomatis infection during pregnancy. In addition and in order to avoid false-negative PCR results, a careful collection of epithelial cells infected with C. trachomatis is imperative.
Schultze
D
D
Institut für Klinische Mikrobiologie und Immunologie St. Gallen, Schweiz.
Morger
M
M
Trummler
M
M
Cassinotti
P
P
D000328:Adult; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D019085:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct; D006801:Humans; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D014526:Urethritis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology; D014626:Vaginal Smears; D014627:Vaginitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology