Current problems in microbiology: 1 chlamydial infections: Which laboratory test?

Article Abstract:

There are several different strains of Chlamydia bacteria, and chlamydial infections are common. Infection with C. trachomatis causes inflammation of the eye and its membranes (conjunctivitis) and can cause blindness. In third world countries, infection with C. trachomatis is a leading cause of blindness. A subtype (serovar) of this strain is responsible for causing genital infections and genital ulcers (lymphogranuloma vereneum). In women, this could lead to the development of inflammation of the cervix and membranes of the uterus (cervicitis and endometritis), and may increase the risk of infertility. The fetus of a pregnant woman with Chlamydia may become infected and develop inflammation of the eyes and ears. Infection with C. psittaci usually affects the lungs in man, birds and sheep, and causes psittacosis (fever, chills, constipation and symptoms of pneumonia). C. pneumoniae may prove to be an important cause of respiratory infection spread from person to person. Because Chlamydia bacteria are so common, sensitive and reliable laboratory tests for the detection of the different strains of Chlamydia are needed. A common method for identifying bacteria involves taking a sample from the patient (using a swab) and putting it on a culture plate to see what grows. This provides a very accurate means of diagnosis for many bacteria. However, Chlamydia will not grow under these conditions. The patient sample must be added to cells that are grown in culture. The Chlamydia will infect the cells and grow and can then be identified. This is the definitive test for Chlamydia, but it is difficult to perform. Several techniques for detecting antibodies and antigens associated with Chlamydia are available. However, the sensitivity and specificity of these techniques leave room for error in the diagnosis. Immunofluorescence and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) use specific antibodies that interact with Chlamydia and allow the bacteria to be identified. These assays are easy to perform, and the use of one of these techniques in combination with one of the other tests mentioned provides a method for the diagnosis of Chlamydia. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Development and progression, Psittacosis, Parrot fever

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Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis DNA in patients with non-gonococcal urethritis using the polymerase chain reaction

Article Abstract:

Infection with Chlamydia trachomatis, a common sexually transmitted disease, can cause inflammation of the male and female genital tract and urethritis (inflammation of the urethra). Symptoms of urethritis include pain, difficulty in urination, and discharge. The symptoms of infection are less severe than those caused by gonorrhea, and it is possible to have an infection with C. trachomatis without any symptoms. Laboratory techniques that are available for the diagnosing chlamydia infections are difficult to perform and require special facilities and technical expertise that are not available in all laboratories. Therefore, a method that can be used for routine diagnostic screening for chlamydia infections is needed. A relatively new technique, called the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), has been developed. PCR is very sensitive and can be used to identify very small amounts of bacterial or viral DNA (the genetic material) in human blood, urine, semen, and tissue. To determine if PCR would be useful for diagnosing chlamydia infections, samples taken from the urethra of 216 patients with urethritis were tested for C. trachomatis. Using the PCR, 65 of the samples tested positive for C. trachomatis. These results were the same as those obtained using conventional cell culture and immunoassay tests. It is concluded that the PCR is a simple and reliable method for diagnosing C. trachomatis infection. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Measurement, DNA, Polymerase chain reaction, Chlamydia trachomatis, Urethritis, Nongonococcal, Nongonococcal urethritis

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Prevalence of chlamydial antibody in Malaysians

Article Abstract:

Chlamydial serology is of value in defining the epidemiology of chlamydial infections and, especially, asymptomatic disease. Prevalence data is notably lacking in developing countries. The extent of exposure to chlamydial agents in Malaysia is reported. A total of 794 serum samples were collected over a one-year period, from August 1988 to July 1989. The study population was largely urban Chinese, from Kuala Lumpur and surrounding regions. The sera were tested by indirect fluorescent antibody staining techniques. Subject ages ranged from infancy to over 50 years, and both sexes were represented in approximately equal proportion. Seropositivity increased with age and sexual activity in both males and females. The sera of 94 percent of the prostitutes were positive for chlamydia antibody. Over 70 percent of adult males attending clinics for sexually transmitted diseases tested positive. The prevalence of chlamydia antibody in other males was 43.4 percent; in adolescent females and pregnant women it was 24.8 percent and 34.7 percent, respectively. Rates for children under 10 years ranged from 10 to 16 percent. Six infants under six months were positive for chlamydia antibody. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Risk factors, Demographic aspects, Malaysia

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