Tissue Culture versus PCR in Diagnosis of Female Genital Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection

Abstract

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis (C.trachomatis)is the most prevalent sexually transmitted pathogen worldwide. It is common among sexually active young women. Objectives: Evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of tissue culture followed by antigen detection by immunoflurescencein comparison with nested PCR for diagnosis of genital C. trachomatis infection. Methodology: This study was carried out on 50 women, among those attending the Gynecology Outpatient Clinics of Benha University Hospital during the period from May 2014 to March 2015. The participants suffer from symptoms suggestive of genital C. trachomatis infection , their ages ranged from 20 to 39 years old (mean ± SD =29.80±4.647) .Two endocervical swabs were taken from each patient. One used for cytological examination, and the other used for tissue culture detected by , immunoflurescence as well as nested PCR. Results: The result of tissue culture detected by direct immunoflurecence revealed that out of 50 patient , 24 (48%) were positive for C.trachomatis and 26 (52%) were negative .Result of nested PCR revealed that out of 50 patient, 34 (68%) were positive and 24 (32%) were negative. The result of cytological examination revealed that out of 50 patient , 17 (34%) were positive and 33 (66%) were negative. The sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), and Negative Predictive Value (NPP) of tissue culture for detection of C.trachomatis were 70.6%, 100%, 100% and 61.5% respectively. Roc curve of tissue culture revealed that it is considered to be a good test compared to PCR in diagnosis of genital C.trachomatis. Conclusion: The tissue culture as detected by immunoflurescence is a good test in relation to nested PCR in diagnosis of genital C.trachomatis.