title: [Clinical evaluation of a rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay: for the detection of chlamydia trachomatis in specimens from high risk patients.].
abstract: A Rapid Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay (Ampli-cor(R)-PCR) was evaluated for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in specimens from 179 high risk patients. The results were compared to McCoy cell culture and specimens were retested with Amplicor(R) and primers for the Major Outer Membrane Protein (MOMP) gene when discrepancy occurred. Of 88 females enrolled in the study, 30 were infected (34%). Sensitivity, selectivity, predictive value of a positive (PVP) and a negative (PVN) on endocervical specimens were 97%, 96.5%, 96.5% and 98% respectively. Of 91 male urine specimens, 33 (36%) came from infected patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the Amplicor(R) assay was 94% and 74% respectively for male urine specimens and the PVP and PVN were 72% and 96% respectively. The sensitivity was low on the original run on urethral specimens but the majority of false negative specimens became positive when retested. Amplicor(R) performed on urine samples was the most sensitive test for detecting Chlamydial infections in males.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Steingrimsson
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Olafsson
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Karlsson
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Palsdottir