Underdiagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia psittaci revealed by introduction of respiratory multiplex PCR assay with Chlamydiaceae family primers

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis. 2018 Mar;90(3):163-166. doi: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2017.11.013. Epub 2017 Nov 26.

Abstract

We describe unanticipated detection of respiratory infection with Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia psittaci after introduction of respiratory multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay that includes Chlamydiaceae family primers. We detected cases of pediatric C. trachomatis and of adult C. psittaci infection in patients with previously unrecognized risk factors. Directed testing for C. trachomatis and C. psittaci based on clinical features and risk factors alone is likely to miss the majority of infected cases.

Keywords: Adult; Chlamydia; Pediatric; Respiratory multiplex; Sexually transmitted diseases.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Chlamydia Infections / diagnosis*
  • Chlamydia trachomatis / genetics*
  • Chlamydophila psittaci / genetics*
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • DNA, Bacterial / analysis
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / diagnosis*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / microbiology
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Bacterial / diagnosis

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Bacterial
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S