[Detection of chlamydia trachomatis in urine, vulval and cervical swabs].

BACKGROUND

Increased testing rates for Chlamydia infection among young women can be achieved by more use of self-administered sampling methods. In this study, vulval swabs and urine are compared to conventional cervix samples.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Vulval swabs, urine and cervix samples from 541 young, healthy women were tested for Chlamydia by polymerase chain reaction technique.

RESULTS

The prevalence of Chlamydia infection was 4.1% (22/541). The sensitivity (cervix 22/22, urine 21/22 and vulva 21/22) and specificity (no false negative results) were high for all sampling sites.

INTERPRETATION: Urine samples or vulval swabs can replace conventional cervix swabs for the detection of Chlamydia.