PCR Superior for Diagnosis of Chlamydia
Newly published data highlights the superiority of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to diagnose chlamydial conjunctivitis among infants. The research was published in the current issue of the Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.
The research was conducted by a team based in Hong Kong. The group compared PCR to direct immunofluorescent assay and cell culture. Chlamydial conjunctivitis was diagnosed based on positive findings from at least one of the three test methods and symptomatic improvement following treatment.
The diagnostic performance of each was compared in a cohort of 184 neonates, considering both eyes. All of the eyes were graded with respect to the severity of disease.
Thirty-two eyes in 24 infants all had conjunctivitis. Almost 94 percent of those had positive results with PCR. Just under 72 percent were positive with one of the other two diagnostic approaches.
The team used this data to determine the sensitivity and specificity of PCR diagnosis. Specificity was marked at 97.7 percent and sensitivity at 92 percent. The team noted a discrepancy, however, in the sensitivity in those patients with a milder form of disease.
August 14, 2008 Related topics: Laboratory, Laboratory Equipment, Diagnostic, Pediatrics