[Detection of chlamydial infection by indirect cytological signs]

The author compares the efficacy of detecting chlamydial infection by the following methods: morphocytological analysis of urogenital smears under light microscope by indirect signs, such as 1) neutrophil histiocyte macrophagal reaction; 2) lymphoid infiltration with the presence of young forms; 3) basal-cell hyperactivity with dysplasia; 4) proliferation of the cylindrical epithelium with dysplasia, and 5) dystrophic changes in the epithelium; detection of chlamydial antigen by immunofluorescence and enzyme immunoassay; and detection of specific antibodies. A total of 240 patients were examined at the Regional Family Planning Center (163 women and 43 men of fertile age and 34 children and adolescents). Chlamydial origin of inflammation suspected from the above cytomorphological signs in 208 (87%) patients was confirmed by virological studies: chlamydial antigen was detected in 67% and specific antibodies in diagnostic titers in 20% of patients. This latter group was administered a course of specific antichlamydial therapy after detection of chlamydial antigen. The author concludes that patients with morphocytological signs of chronic inflammation listed above detected in the urogenital smears should be referred to a group at risk of chlamydiasis. The proposed method of screening is rapid, economic, and easily available.