Chlamydia Trachomatis detection in different urogenital samples

The results of Chlamydia trachomatis detection in different urogenital samples (vagina, cervix, urethra, urine) are presented in this report. The study was carried out for the period of 1999 to 2000. A total of 397 women and 253 men were examined. Cervical, urethral and vaginal swabs from women, and urethral, first voided urine (FVU) specimens from men were tested.

For diagnosis of Chlamydia, trachomatis the following methods were used: polymerase chain reaction (PCR), direct immunofluorescence test (DIF) and cell culture (CC). In male samples, more often chlamydiae were detected in the urethra (11,6%), more rarely - in the FVU (6%). When female samples were tested, more often C. trachomatis was found in the vagina (18,4%), and less often - in the cervix (14. 4) and the urethra (8. 8%).

The sensitivity and specificity of the methods used to test urogenital samples were determined. The PCR sensitivity and specificity was shown to be 75 and 100% for C. trachomatis detection in the cervix, 75 and 97. 5% - in the female urethra, and 63 and 99% - in the vagina, respectively. The PCR sensitivity and specificity was found to be 78 and 100% in the male urethral specimens and 100 and 99. 6% in the FVU, respectively.

The sensitivity of cell culture method used for chlamydiae detection in cervical, female and male urethral samples was low - 33. 9, 47. 1 and 50% respectively. The CC specificity was 100%.