Diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis genital infections in the era of genomic medicine

Abstract

Purpose Chlamydial genital infections constitute significant sexually transmitted infections worldwide. The often asymptomatic status of C. trachomatis (CT) infections leads to an increased burden on human reproductive health, especially in middle- and low-income settings. Early detection and management of these infections could play a decisive role in controlling this public health burden. The objective of this review is to provide an insight into the evolution of diagnostic methods for CT infections through the development of new molecular technologies, emphasizing on -omics’ technologies and their significance as diagnostic tools both for effective patient management and control of disease transmission. Methods Narrative review of the diagnostic methodologies of CT infections and the impact of the introduction of -omics’ technologies on their diagnosis by review of the literature. Results Various methodologies are discussed with respect to working principles, required specifications, advantages, and disadvantages. Implementing the most accurate methods in diagnosis is highlighted as the cornerstone in managing CT infections. Conclusion Diagnostics based on -omics’ technologies are considered to be the most pertinent modalities in CT testing when compared to other available methods. There is a need to modify these effective and accurate diagnostic tools in order to render them more available and feasible in all settings, especially aiming on turning them to rapid point-of-care tests for effective patient management and disease control.

Multi-repeat sequences identification using genome mining techniques for developing highly sensitive molecular diagnostic assay for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis

“…Traditional techniques for identifying C. trachomatis infections are less sensitive, require collection of invasive patient samples, have complex algorithms and test result reporting, and are expensive 17 . As a consequence, there is need of developing novel tests that are sensitive, specific and readily applicable in field set-ups.…”

“…In addition, most of the C. trachomatis infections are asymptomatic and are diagnosed late, resulting in uninterrupted transmission 16 . To manage asymptomatic C. trachomatis infections, there is an urgent need to develop efficient methods of diagnosis with appropriate specificity and sensitivity that can be incorporated as part of routine screening programs, can be used to identify new infections and prevent the transmission of C. trachomatis cases 17 . In this study, we have developed a highly sensitive molecular method that uses de novo genome mining approaches to detect identical multi-repeat sequences (IMRS) in C. trachomatis bacterial genome to be used as both isothermal amplification and PCR assays.…”

Molecular Identification of Chlamydia trachomatis among Infertile Females

“…21,22 Genital infections caused by C. trachomatis are often asymptomatic. 4,8,23 Usually, cervix is the initial site of the infection however urethra and rectum may also be infected. 24 Some individual's experiences vaginal discharge, burning micturition, lower abdomen pain, dysuria, pelvic pain, post coital bleeding, nausea and fever.…”

“…Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), urethritis, cervicitis, and cervical dysplasia are the conditions clinically linked to genital C. trachomatis. 4,8,23 According to the studies by Subramanian AV et al and Meenakshi Malhotra et al C. trachomatis is thought to be a important cause of PID and female infertility worldwide. 8,26 The risk of TFI and ectopic pregnancy increases with each episode of PID.…”

Reactive, infectious, or post‑infectious arthritis?

“…K detekci Chlamydia trachomatis se používají testy amplifikace nukleových kyselin(17,18). Z amplifikačních testů nukleových kyselin se nejčastěji používá polymerázová řetězová reakce -PCR (real time).…”