Immunocytochemical detection of Chlamydia trachomatis on cytological specimens

Chlamydia trachomatis can cause many kinds of diseases in humans, both men and women. Its diagnosis depends on the observation of intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies on smears. To observe intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies we applied the Papanicolaou and immunocytochemical techniques. Elementary and reticulate bodies were seen more easily using the immunocytochemical technique in 3 hours on gynecological and urethral specimens. The immunocytochemical technique is rapid, accurate and specific with unstained gynecological and urethral specimens as well as destained Papanicolaou smears. It appears that fixation is the most important factor in immunocytochemical observations of Chlamydia. Absolute methanol or ethanol was the fixation agent of choice based on our experience. After proper fixation, the immunocytochemical technique can be applied for routine examinations to detect Chlamydia trachomatis.