Place of molecular biology methods in detecting Chlamydia trachomatis infection of the lower genitourinary tract
L'Agence Nationale d'Accreditation d'Evaluation en Sante (ANAES)
Record ID 32004000017
French
Authors' objectives:
To assess the molecular biology tests available, particularly genetic tests, in terms of power, quality assurance and cost in detecting Chlamydia trachomatis infections of the lower genitourinary tract.
Authors' recommendations:
Diagnostic methods for Chlamydia trachomatis infection of the lower genitourinary tract: - Direct diagnostic methods: detection of bacterial organisms after cell culture, immunoenzymatic or direct immunofluorescence tests for bacterial antigens, detection of the bacterial genome by a molecular biology method. - Nucleic acid detection methods: molecular hybridization, in vitro gene amplification (PCR, LCR, TMA, SDA). These methods can detect C. trachomatis in sperm, vulval or vaginal specimens, and in urine specimens (easier for patients).
Studies selected: 47 sensitivity and specificity studies between 1995 and 2001.
Sensitivity and specificity of the methods: In vitro gene amplification tests have a high level of specificity, similar to that of cell culture. They are more sensitive than cell culture and immunoenzymatic methods used in endocervical specimens in women, and urethral specimens in men. Their sensitivity is satisfactory in urine and vaginal specimens. Quality control tests have demonstrated the importance of complying with good laboratory practice guidelines in ensuring reliable results.
Economic evaluation studies: In vitro gene amplification tests have a good cost-efficacy ratio (in terms of cost per case identified) compared with the ratios for cell culture and other detection methods.
Authors' methods:
Systematic review
Details
Project Status:
Completed
URL for project:
http://www.has-sante.fr/
Year Published:
2003
English language abstract:
An English language summary is available
Publication Type:
Not Assigned
Country:
France
MeSH Terms
- Mass Screening
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Chlamydia trachomatis
Contact
Organisation Name:
L'Agence Nationale d'Accreditation d'Evaluation en Santé
Contact Address:
2 avenue du Stade de France, 93218 Saint-Denis La Plaine Cedex, France. Tel: +33 01 55 93 71 88; Fax: +33 01 55 93 74 35;
Contact Name:
sh.leerobin@has-sante.fr
Contact Email:
sh.leerobin@has-sante.fr
Copyright:
L'Agence Nationale d'Accreditation d'Evaluation en Sante (ANAES)
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