[DNA amplification in the diagnosis of urogenital Chlamydia trachomatis infection]

Sexually transmitted Chlamydia trachomatis infections are common and a major cause of pelvic inflammatory disease and its complications (infertility, ectopic pregnancy and chronic abdominal pain). No pathognomonic sign exists and the majority of infected individuals are asymptomatic. During the last eight years numerous evaluations of methods of detecting C trachomatis infections by use of DNA amplification have been published. The clinical sensitivity of the methods seem to be superior to antigen detection methods and cell culture. However, inhibitoric components may reduce the sensitivity of certain DNA tests and sample types. The increased sensitivity of DNA amplification tests allows the use of sample material which contain fewer organisms than the conventional swab sample, e.g. urine and vaginal samples. A strategy using home-obtained and mailed samples increases the efficacy of contact tracing and universal screening. Wider use of this strategy may reduce the risk of complications for the individual and reduce the prevalence of the infection in the society.