[Chlamydia trachomatis: detection using a direct test and culture in 100 genital specimens]

We have used in routine fluorescein labelled monoclonal antibodies to detect directly C. trachomatis in genital smears from 68 men with urethritis and 32 women with leukorrhoea or cervicitis. We have compared the results with those obtained by culture on cycloheximide treated McCoy cells stained by Giemsa. C. trachomatis was detected in men respectively from 31 per cent of urethral specimens by culture and 29 per cent by direct test and in women from 12 per cent of cervical specimens by culture and 9 per cent by direct test. There was agreement between the results in 92 per cent of the specimen tested. Discrepancies were observed in case of low number of inclusions in culture or low number of elementary bodies in direct test. The direct test seems a rapid and sensitive method and can be performed by many laboratories.