Srpski arhiv za celokupno lekarstvo 2013 Volume 141, Issue 3-4, Pages: 187-191
https://doi.org/10.2298/SARH1304187T
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The diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis cervical infection among students by using classical and molecular methods
Tomanović Snežana (Klinički centar Srbije, Klinika za ginekologiju i akušerstvo, Beograd)
Čukić Ivan (Zavod za zdravstvenu zaštitu studenata, Beograd)
Obradović Marija (Zavod za zdravstvenu zaštitu studenata, Beograd)
Ćurčić Nađa (Zavod za zdravstvenu zaštitu studenata, Beograd)
Petrović-Milinković Anđela (Zavod za zdravstvenu zaštitu studenata, Beograd)
Đukić Slobodanka (Medicinski fakultet, Institut za mikrobiologiju i imunologiju, Beograd)
Introduction. Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common cause of sexually
transmitted disease. The possibility of serious complications may be
prevented by early detection of the bacteria on the uterine cervix by the
application of sensitive and reliable tests such as up-to-date molecular
tests. Objective. The aim of the study was the comparison of sensitivity and
specificity of three different methods in the diagnosis of Chlamydia
trachomatis infection. Methods. The study included 69 female students
referred to the gynecological outpatient unit at the Students’ Polyclinic for
colposcopic examination of the uterine cervix. Cervical Chlamydia trachomatis
was diagnosed by using three different methods: direct immunofluorescence
(DIF), nucleic acid hybridization assay (hc2), and polymerase chain reaction
(PCR). Results. By using DIF Chlamydia trachomatis was identified in four
students (5.80%), by using hc2 also in four (5.80%), while by using PCR test
in six students (8.70%). Comparative analysis of the obtained results
evidenced sensitivity and specificity rates of DIF in comparison to PCR
method of 46% and 95%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of DIF
method in comparison to hc2 was 62% and 97%. Sensitivity and specificity of
hc2 method in comparison to PCR was 76% and 100%. Conclusion. Contemporary
molecular methods, such as PCR, are methods of choice for the identification
of endocervical Chlamydia trachomatis in the population of university
students without symptoms of the disease.
Keywords: Chlamydia trachomatis, diagnosis, immunofluorescence, molecular methods