One-day detection of PCR amplified Chlamydia trachomatis DNA in clinical samples: ELISA versus Southern blot hybridisation

摘要

Aims—To compare ELISA and Southern blot hybridisation for the detection of PCR amplified Chlamydia trachomatis DNA extracted from clinical samples; to assess the value of the ELISA method in a clinical setting. Methods—DNA was extracted from uro-genital samples of 508 patients, purified and amplified using C trachomatis specific primers, one of which was end-labelled with biotin. Amplification products were detected by Streptavidin biotin based ELISA and non-radioactive Southern blotting. Results—Of the 508 samples, 29 were positive and 479 negative by both methods. No discrepant results were observed. Conclusion—Streptavidin biotin based ELISA and Southern blotting were equally sensitive for detecting PCR amplified C trachomatis DNA. Using ELISA, test results could be generated within a single day.