title: Pilot study to assess the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis in urine from 18-30-year-old males using EIA/IF and PCR.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To increase detection, urine samples from young males could be opportunistically tested for Chlamydia trachomatis.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine C. trachomatis prevalence in urine, optimum specimen and compare sensitivity/feasibility of routine use of different testing methods.
  
  
  METHODS
  Group A, 'sterile' pyuria samples June 1998-January 1999, tested by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and, if reactive, by immunofluorescence (IF). Subsequently batch-tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Group B, consecutive urine samples October 1998-January 1999; batch-tested by PCR.
  
  
  METHODS
  Microbiology laboratory.
  
  
  METHODS
  From males aged 18-30 years; group A = 71, group B = 83.
  
  
  METHODS
  Chlamydia trachomatis positive if EIA- and IF- or PCR-positive.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Group A: 12 EIA/IF-positive; 9/12 and 15 EIA-negative samples PCR-positive. Group B: 11 PCR-positive; 8/11 showed 'sterile' pyuria.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Opportunistic testing of urine from young men shows a significant number of C. trachomatis infections. 'Sterile' pyuria samples are optimal. EIA/IF are less sensitive than PCR but can be routinely performed and detect a significant proportion of cases.
authors.affiliation: Public Health Laboratory, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK. Adriana.Basarab@suht.swest.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Adriana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Basarab
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Browning
authors.forename: Stuart
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lanham
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: O'Connell
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000652:urine*; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D015995:Prevalence; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology