Chlamydia Trachomatis, Monoclonal Antibody Testing, Wet Mount Screening, and the University Health Service

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Abstract
This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of vaginal wet mount screening in the diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis using the diagnostic technique of direct immunofluorescent monoclonal antibody (Microtrak) and to determine any correlation between history, physical findings, and laboratory testing. These techniques revealed that 41% of symptomatic patients and 17% of asymptomatic patients were diagnosed as having chlamydia. History and physical examination findings were not significant selective features. It was further demonstrated that a significant number of cases (30% yield) can be detected when the Microtrak technique is combined with simple screening criteria based on wet mount evaluation of white blood cells. The absence of a positive history in 17% of the cases confirms that Chlamydia trachomatis cervicitis is frequently a silent disease and requires effective screening and diagnostic techniques.