No evidence of the Chlamydia trachomatis variant in the UK.
OBJECTIVE
The discovery of a variant strain of Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) in Sweden has raised awareness of its possible undetected spread in the UK. The assays that fail to detect this variant are widely used in this country. This study aimed to determine if this variant is circulating in the UK.


METHODS
1,680 genital specimens tested negative by the Roche assays were retested by Aptima Combo2. Discordant results were sequenced to check for the deletion variant.


RESULTS
Of 1,680 specimens tested, 29 were candidates for sequencing: 16 were negative for the variant, 11 failed to amplify, and 2 were lost.


CONCLUSIONS
No Ct deletion variants were found in the UK. If it is circulating, then the prevalence is low (0-0.77%), but even a low level cannot be ignored. The system we describe is simple and suitable for rapid response and phasing of surveillance to match an unknown level of threat if other variants emerge.
Sillis
M
M
Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, Bowthorpe Road, Norwich NR2 3TX, UK. margaret.sillis@nnuh.nhs.uk
Skidmore
S
S
Mallinson
H
H
Todd
T
T
Coupland
L
L
Oliver
P
P
Robinson
I
I
Saunders
D
D
Hesketh
L
L
D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology
Euro Surveill. 2006;11(11):E061109.2
17213548
Euro Surveill. 2007 Mar;12(3):E070301.3
17439779
Euro Surveill. 2007 Feb;12(2):E070208.3
17370951
Euro Surveill. 2007 Feb;12(2):E070201.2
17370946