The molecular diagnosis of lymphogranuloma venereum: evaluation of a real-time multiplex polymerase chain reaction test using rectal and urethral specimens.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the use of a real-time multiplex polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) assay to differentiate between trachoma and lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) biovars of Chlamydia trachomatis and to validate its performance with the conventional genotyping method.


METHODS
Swab specimens from 115 patients with anorectal symptoms or syndromes associated with LGV were tested by a real-time M-PCR assay and the results compared with the PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the major outer membrane protein gene (omp1).


RESULTS
A high agreement of 96.5% (111 of 115 specimens) was found between the real-time M-PCR testing and the standard genotyping method for the detection of C. trachomatis DNA (kappa value, 0.945, P <0.00001). Both methods identified 53 LGV, 32 non-LGV C. trachomatis, and 26 negative specimens.


CONCLUSIONS
The real-time M-PCR assay simultaneously detects and differentiates LGV from non-LGV strains using swab specimens. This assay offers a relatively rapid and sensitive alternative for the diagnosis of LGV infection and is a useful tool for screening and for outbreak investigations.
Chen
Cheng-Yen
CY
Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. cyc1@cdc.gov
Chi
Kai-Hua
KH
Alexander
Sarah
S
Martin
Iona M C
IM
Liu
Hsi
H
Ison
Cathy A
CA
Ballard
Ronald C
RC
D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D017931:DNA Primers; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008219:Lymphogranuloma Venereum / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012007:Rectum / Q000382:microbiology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014521:Urethra / Q000382:microbiology
D017931:DNA Primers; D004269:DNA, Bacterial