Evaluation of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae detection in urine, endocervical, and vaginal specimens by a multiplexed isothermal thermophilic helicase-dependent amplification (tHDA) assay

J Clin Microbiol. 2011 Dec;49(12):4121-5. doi: 10.1128/JCM.00952-11. Epub 2011 Sep 28.

Abstract

We have developed a new research assay that combines sequence-specific sample preparation and isothermal amplification for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections. The assay targets both the omp gene and the cryptic plasmid of C. trachomatis and the multicopy opa gene of N. gonorrhoeae, which are amplified and detected in a single reaction. We evaluated the ability of the assay to detect C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infections in first-catch urine, swab, and liquid-based cytology samples. Total agreement between the new assay and APTIMA Combo 2 varied between 95.3% and 100%, depending on the sample type and target detected. Total agreement between the new assay and BD ProbeTec varied between 96.7% and 100%, depending on the sample type and target detected. The assay has a simple work flow, and endpoint results can be achieved in 3 h, including sample preparation. The assay described here was evaluated for research use and was compared to commercially available assays.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Bacteriological Techniques / methods
  • Cervix Uteri / microbiology*
  • Chlamydia trachomatis / isolation & purification
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • Female
  • Gonorrhea / diagnosis*
  • Gonorrhea / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Lymphogranuloma Venereum / diagnosis*
  • Lymphogranuloma Venereum / microbiology
  • Male
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / methods*
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae / isolation & purification
  • Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques / methods*
  • Plasmids
  • Urine / microbiology*
  • Vagina / microbiology*

Substances

  • Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins
  • DNA, Bacterial