Routine Diagnosis Of Chlamydia Trachomatis Infections In An Obstetric-Gynecologic Clinic: Comparison Of Genome, Antigen And Cell Culture Detection Methods Under Various Indications

Objective: Comparison of four different assays for routine diagnosis of urogenital Chlamydia trachomatis infections. Methods: Samples from 285 female patients were tested using each of the following tests: PCR (Amplicor Chlamydia trachonzatis(R)), ELFA (VIDAS Chlamydia(R)), cell culture and direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA). Results: C. trachomatis was detected by PCR in 13 endocervical swab specimens obtained from 189 female patients (6.9%). Among 13 PCR-positive samples, 10 tested positive by cell culture and DFA, and 8 were positive by ELFA. For 3 patients with pregnancy-related complications, a positive result was obtained by PCR only. Each of the 96 urethral swabs proved to be negative. Conclusions: PCR is more sensitive than cell culture, DFA and ELFA, especially in the context of C. trachomatis infection during pregnancy. In addition and in order to avoid false-negative PCR results, a careful collection of epithelial cells infected with C. trachomatis is imperative.