Finnish new variant of Chlamydia trachomatis escaping detection in the Aptima Combo 2 assay also present in Örebro County, Sweden, May 2019

Euro Surveill. 2019 Jun;24(26):1900370. doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2019.24.26.1900370.

Abstract

We identified the first two cases of the Finnish new variant of Chlamydia trachomatis (F-nvCT) beyond Finland in two clinical urogenital specimens in Örebro County, Sweden. These Aptima Combo 2 assay-negative specimens were Aptima Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) assay positive and had the characteristic C1515T mutation in the 23S rRNA gene. From 22 March to 31 May 2019, 1.3% (2/158) of the CT-positive cases in Örebro County were missed because of the F-nvCT. International awareness, investigations and actions are essential.

Keywords: Chlamydia trachomatis; Diagnostics; Finland; NAAT; Sweden; nvCT.

MeSH terms

  • Biological Assay / methods
  • Chlamydia Infections / diagnosis*
  • Chlamydia Infections / epidemiology
  • Chlamydia Infections / genetics*
  • Chlamydia trachomatis / genetics*
  • Chlamydia trachomatis / isolation & purification
  • Female
  • Finland / epidemiology
  • Genetic Variation / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Sweden / epidemiology
  • Young Adult