Open AccessScreening for Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection in Women and Aspects of the Laboratory Diagnostics
Author(s) -
Svensson LarsOlof,
Mares Ivo,
Olsson SvenEric,
Nordstrom MariLouise
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.3109/00016349109007921
Subject(s) - chlamydia trachomatis , medicine , chlamydia , gynecology , predictive value , sex organ , abortion , population , antigen , chlamydiales , direct fluorescent antibody , obstetrics , chlamydiaceae , immunology , pregnancy , biology , environmental health , genetics
Nine hundred and thirty‐three women who attended consecutively a gynecological clinic for various symptoms, for abortion, or for contraceptives, were screened for genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection. A total of 95 (10.2%) women were found infected. Of women below 25 years of age, 13.4% were infected, as compared with 4.9% over 25. Women with symptoms of genital infection were not over‐represented in the infected population. Enzyme immunoassays (EIA) verified with a direct flourescence antigen test were evaluated and compared with culture controls. Reactive samples detected using EIA were regarded as true positive if they were also positive according to the verification test. The sensitivity of the verified EIA test was 91%, the specificity 100%, the positive predictive value 100% and the negative predictive value was 99%. The sensitivity of the culture was 90%. Low age is the most predictable risk factor for genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Compared with cultures, EIA verified with a direct flourescence antigen test is a rapid and effective method for clinical use.