Evaluation of the Gen-Probe PACE 2 assay for the detection of asymptomatic Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in male arrestees.
BACKGROUND
The LET and Gen-Probe PACE 2 assay are used to screen male arrestees for evidence of infection with chlamydia and gonorrhea in the intake/booking area of the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the accuracy of the Gen-Probe PACE 2 assay for the detection of asymptomatic infection with Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in male arrestees.


METHODS
From December 1993 to March 1994, 196 arrestees younger than 22 years were screened with the Gen-Probe PACE 2 assay and McCoy shell vial culture for Chlamydia trachomatis. From April to October 1994, 444 arrestees of all ages were screened with the Gen-Probe PACE 2 assay and standard culture for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of the Gen-Probe PACE 2 assay, compared with culture, were calculated with 95% confidence intervals.


RESULTS
The Gen-Probe PACE 2 assay compared with culture had a sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value for Chlamydia trachomatis of 84%, 99%, and 93% and for Neisseria gonorrhoeae of 54%, 99.5%, and 78%.


CONCLUSIONS
The Gen-Probe PACE 2 assay is useful for screening young males in this jail setting and is more accurate for detecting Chlamydia trachomatis compared with Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Beltrami
J F
JF
Tulane University School of Medicine, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, New Orleans, USA.
Farley
T A
TA
Hamrick
J T
JT
Cohen
D A
DA
Martin
D H
DH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006069:Gonorrhea / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008145:Louisiana / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009344:Neisseria gonorrhoeae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011329:Prisoners; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014521:Urethra / Q000382:microbiology