Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis antigen for diagnosis of respiratory infection I. Cross reaction with bacteriae consisting normal flora respiratory tract

Abstract

We examined the cross reaction of Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) by antigen detection method using EIA against the aerobic bacteria which colonize in the respiratory tract of children. Chlamydiazyme showed a cross reaction among 5 out of 7 species of Gram negative bacteria (= 71.4%) and Neisseria and Branhamella catarrhalis showed a cross reaction even in low concentrations of 1 X 10(3-4) CFU/ml. There were no Gram positive bacteria which showed cross reaction. IDEIA Mark III did not react to Gram negative bacteria even in high concentrations of 1 X 10(7-10) CFU/ml. One strain of coagulase positive staphylococcus (CPS) showed positive at a concentration of 1 X 10(8): however, other Gram positive bacteria including two other strains of CPS exhibited no cross reaction. The detectable concentration of C. trachomatis (D/UW 3 strain) using IDEIA Mark III was 1 X 10(3) IFU/ml. Low cross reaction rate and sensitivity suggest IDEIA Mark III is preferable for diagnosis of respiratory infection of C. trachomatis though further clinical studies are necessary.