Comparison of two enzyme immunoassays and an immunofluorescence test for detection ofChlamydia trachomatis

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Abstract
Three rapid methods for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis were compared: one immunofluorescence test and two enzyme immunoassays. Cervical and urethral specimens were obtained from 75 women in an outpatient clinic for therapeutic abortions and from 50 women in a sexually transmitted disease clinic. Urethral specimens were also obtained from 154 men in the same clinic. One hundred and nineteen cervical and 272 urethral specimens of a total 391 specimens were tested by the three methods. The direct immunofluorescence test detected Chlamydia trachomatis in 8 % and the two enzyme immunoassays in 10 % and 12 % of the patients. The sensitivity of the immunofluorescence test was 76 % compared to 91 % and 80 % for the two enzyme immunoassay tests. All three tests had a specificity of 99 %. Dilution experiments confirmed that one immunoassay test, Chlamydiazyme, detected most of the positive specimens. The rapid and easily automated enzyme immunoassays are a valuable complement to the culture technique.