Use of real-time PCR as an alternative to conventional genotyping methods for the laboratory detection of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) can be differentiated from non-LGV chlamydial infection using Sanger sequencing or molecular assays, including those that are commercially-available internationally. Here, we describe the performance of a rapid real-time PCR (RT-PCR)-based strategy in differentiating Chlamydia tra-chomatis infections associated with LGV or non-LGV serovars. One hundred three rectal swabs, previously genotyped using Sanger sequencing of the ompA gene as a reference method, were tested in the RT-PCR assays. All non-LGV specimens were correctly identified, but the RT-PCR failed to detect 1 LGV specimen, resulting in a sensitivity of 87.5% for the non-LGV/LGV RT-PCR assay. Additional performance characteristics (e.g., specificity, accuracy, and reproducibility) were all between 93% and 100% with a limit of detection <= 100 copies/reaction. Thus, this rapid RT-PCR method for LGV detection in clinical specimens is comparable to the reference method. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Automated summary

A rapid real-time PCR method for differentiating Chlamydia trachomatis infections associated with LGV or non-LGV serovars showed a sensitivity of 87.5% for LGV detection and high specificity, accuracy, and reproducibility. The performance characteristics were between 93% and 100% with a detection limit of <= 100 copies/reaction, comparable to the reference method of Sanger sequencing.