Performance of a rapid molecular test to detect Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in women with pelvic inflammatory disease

Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin (Engl Ed). 2022 Aug-Sep;40(7):377-380. doi: 10.1016/j.eimce.2021.03.008.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) in women with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and the usefulness and cost-effectiveness of a rapid molecular test for the diagnosis and clinical management of PID.

Methods: This observational study included 75 patients with mild-to-moderate PID (n=33), severe PID (n=29) and non-specific lower abdominal pain (NSAP) (n=13). CT/NG infections were analyzed using a standard and a rapid test. A cost analysis was carried out.

Results: Samples of 19 patients (25.3%) were CT/NG positive. Concordance between rapid and standard tests was 100%. No significant differences were observed in the incidence of CT/NG in mild-to-moderate compared to severe PID. Costs differed according only to disease severity.

Conclusions: Rapid molecular tests could help with the diagnosis of PID in sexually active women in clinical settings in which a standard technique is not available.

Keywords: Chlamydia trachomatis; Enfermedad inflamatoria pélvica; Molecular techniques; Neisseria gonorrhoeae; Pelvic inflammatory disease; Técnicas moleculares.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Chlamydia Infections* / complications
  • Chlamydia Infections* / diagnosis
  • Chlamydia Infections* / epidemiology
  • Chlamydia trachomatis / genetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae / genetics
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease* / diagnosis
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease* / epidemiology