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[Chlamydia trachomatis conjunctivitis in adults. Study of diagnostic techniques]
J P Adenis1, P Saint-Blancat, S Ranger
1Service d'Ophtalmologie, CHU Dupuytren, Limoges.
Journal Francais D'Ophtalmologie
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis conjunctivitis is challenging. Indirect immunofluorescence and ELISA show higher positivity rates than culture, revealing healthy carriers.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chlamydia trachomatis is an underdiagnosed cause of conjunctivitis.
- Diagnostic challenges hinder accurate assessment of its prevalence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare diagnostic techniques for Chlamydia trachomatis conjunctivitis.
- To evaluate the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals.
Main Methods:
- Conjunctival swabs for ELISA, tarsal scraping for direct immunofluorescence, and culture were used.
- Patients with acute/chronic conjunctivitis (n=73) and asymptomatic individuals (n=44) were studied.
Main Results:
- 19.2% of conjunctivitis patients and 6.8% of asymptomatic individuals tested positive.
- Indirect immunofluorescence yielded the most positive results, followed by ELISA.
- Culture was most specific but least sensitive.
Conclusions:
- Indirect immunofluorescence and ELISA are valuable for diagnosing Chlamydia trachomatis conjunctivitis.
- The study confirms the existence of healthy carriers of Chlamydia trachomatis.