Performance of Cepheid CT/NG Xpert rapid PCR test for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae at a tertiary care centre in North India

Abstract

IntroductionChlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) are prevalent causes of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) globally, leading to substantial morbidity and transmission risks. MethodsThis study evaluates the diagnostic efficacy of Xpert CT/NG compared to conventional PCR and culture methods in 121 patients at a tertiary care centre in North India. ResultsXpert CT/NG demonstrated high sensitivity (85.8%) and specificity (96.3%) outperforming conventional PCR. Xpert CT/NG's rapidity and accuracy underscore its utility in timely diagnosis and control of STIs. ConclusionAs sexually transmitted infections pose a serious health concern implementation of such rapid diagnostic methods/point of care testing methods are to be implemented for early diagnosis.