Urinary leukocyte esterase screening for asymptomatic sexually transmitted disease in adolescent males

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of urinary leukocyte esterase on random urine specimens as a screening test for chlamydial and gonococcal urethral infections in asymptomatic males. Random urine specimens were obtained on 106 consecutive asymptomatic adolescent males during intake physical examination at a residential vocational training program. Results of urinary leukocyte esterase were compared to those of urethral cultures for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Five subjects had positive chlamydia cultures, three subjects had positive gonococcal cultures, and one patient had positive cultures for both organisms. Sixteen subjects had leukocyte esterase tests reported as "trace" or greater. When compare to positive culture results for either Chlamydia or gonorrhea, urinary leukocyte esterase activity had a sensitivity of 78%, specificity of 91%, and positive predictive value of 44%. A random urine specimen for urinary leukocyte esterase activity is a cost-effective screening method for chlamydial and gonococcal urethral infections in asymptomatic adolescent males.     

An assessment of the Roche Amplicor Chlamydia trachomatis/Neisseria gonorrhoeae multiplex PCR assay in routine diagnostic use on a variety of specimen types.

The Roche Cobas Amplicor Chlamydia trachomatis/Neisseria gonorrhoeae polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay can simultaneously detect both C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae, and has been cleared by United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the testing of endocervical and urethral swabs and urine specimens. The Amplicor N. gonorrhoeae PCR target sequence is known to be present in some strains of commensal Neisseria species, including N. cinerea and N. subflava, necessitating the use of a second PCR assay to confirm positive results. This study analyses the performance of the assay on 7,007 unselected specimens submitted to the laboratory for the PCR diagnosis of N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis; compares the PCR assay with culture for the detection of N. gonorrhoeae; examines the performance of the assay with specimens from different body sites; and briefly compares two confirmatory PCR assays. Confirmation rates for an initial Amplicor N. gonorrhoeae positive result varied widely by specimen type, ranging from 86.2 per cent for penile/urethral swabs to 5.6 per cent for oropharyngeal swabs, indicating all positive Amplicor N. gonorrhoeae results should be confirmed by a second method to maintain adequate specificity. Overall there was 98.1 per cent agreement between the confirmed PCR assay and culture, with confirmed PCR showing a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 81.7 per cent, 99.5 per cent, 92.7 per cent and 98.5 per cent respectively, compared with N. gonorrhoeae culture. When confirmed C. trachomatis/N. gonorrhoeae PCR assay performance was analysed against culture using only FDA-cleared specimens (553 penile/ urethral swabs, urines and cervical/vaginal swabs), sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV and percent agreement were 96.7 per cent, 99.8 per cent, 98.9 per cent, 99.4 per cent and 99.3 per cent respectively. No significant differences were found between the two confirmatory PCR assays used during the study period. Limitations of Amplicor for the detection of N. gonorrhoeae and the appropriate use of combined C. trachomatis/N. gonorrhoeae PCR in a routine diagnostic setting are discussed.     

Noninvasive detection of Chlamydia trachomatis urethritis in men by a rapid enzyme immunoassay test.

BACKGROUND. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the ability of a rapid enzyme immunoassay test to noninvasively detect Chlamydia trachomatis urethritis in men from a urine specimen. METHODS. Urethral samples and urine from 207 patients were evaluated. Urethral and urine sediment Gram stains, leukocyte esterase dipstick tests, and enzyme immunoassay analyses of centrifuged and uncentrifuged urine were compared with urethral C trachomatis culture. RESULTS. The prevalence of infection in this population was 10.3%. Sensitivity and specificity of the enzyme immunoassay on the centrifuged urine specimen were 70% and 96%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 67% and 97%, respectively. The uncentrifuged urine enzyme immunoassay sensitivity was 35.7% and specificity was 98.9%. Leukocyte esterase test sensitivity compared with that of the Neisseria gonorrhoeae and/or C trachomatis cultures was 83.3%, and specificity was 52%. CONCLUSIONS. The rapid enzyme immunoassay clinically complemented the screening urine sediment Gram stain and the leukocyte esterase test. The judicious use of a noninvasive C trachomatis rapid enzyme immunoassay test to identify organism-specific urethritis may improve patient management of sexually transmitted disease.     

Asymptomatic Chlamydia trachomatis infections in teenage males

This study examined the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infections of the urethra in asymptomatic teenage males in a juvenile detention setting. Gonorrhea cultures, chlamydia smears using the direct immunofluorescent antibody (DFA) technique, and 15–20 ml of a first-catch urine (FCU) sample were obtained. Of the 227 adolescent males screened, 205 had experienced sexual intercourse. Twenty-seven (13.2%) of the sexually active adolescents had positive DFA smears for C. trachomatis. Three (1.5%) had positive Neisseria gonorrhoeae cultures. A urine leukocyte count of greater than 10 per high-power field gave a 91% specificity but only a 26% sensitivity for a positive DFA. The high prevalence of chlamydia in this population and the relative low cost of the DFA screen for chlamydia make this a useful procedure for discovering unsuspected disease, particularly in a high-risk population. The FCU screen for leukocytec was of limited value in identifying asymptomatic infection.     

Behavioural characteristics,prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and antibiotic susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in men with urethral discharge in Thyolo,Malawi

A study was carried out in 2000/2001 in a rural district of Malawi among men presenting with urethral discharge, in order to (a) describe their health-seeking and sexual behaviour, (b) determine the prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, and (c) verify the antibiotic susceptibility of N. gonorrhoeae. A total of 114 patients were entered into the study; 61% reported having taken some form of medication before coming to the sexually transmitted infections clinic. The most frequent alternative source of care was traditional healers. Sixty-eight (60%) patients reported sexual encounters during the symptomatic period, the majority (84%) not using condoms. Using ligase chain reaction on urine, N. gonorrhoeae was detected in 91 (80%) and C. trachomatis in 2 (2%) urine specimens. Forty five of 47 N. gonorrhoeae isolates produced penicillinase, 89% showing multi-antimicrobial resistance. This study emphasizes the need to integrate alternative care providers and particularly traditional healers in control activities, and to encourage their role in promoting safer sexual behaviour. In patients presenting with urethral discharge in our rural setting, C. trachomatis was not found to be a major pathogen. Antimicrobial susceptibility surveillance of N. gonorrhoeae is essential in order to prevent treatment failures and control the spread of resistant strains.     

Cytomegalovirus infection among women attending a sexually transmitted disease clinic: association with clinical symptoms and other sexually transmitted diseases

The prevalence rates of cytomegalovirus, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, and herpes simplex virus infection were determined for 247 women attending a sexually transmitted disease clinic in Halifax, Nova Scotia between July 1983 and December 1985. Isolation rates were 8.5%, 32.8%, 27.1%, 7.3%, and 6.5% for the five infectious agents, respectively. With multiple logistic regression analysis, the presence of cervical cytomegalovirus infection was independently associated with age less than 23 years and with gonococcal infection. Factors predictive of C. trachomatis infection included age less than 23 years, gonococcal infection, oral contraceptive use, and purulent discharge. Number of lifetime sexual partners was statistically associated only with herpes simplex virus infection. N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, and T. vaginalis were all independently associated with purulent discharge. Cytomegalovirus, N. gonorrhoeae, and C. trachomatis were statistically more likely to be present concurrently with other organisms than to be present as a single infection. Women with another genital infection were 6.5 times more likely to have cytomegalovirus than were women with no other genital infection. Of the 21 women with cytomegalovirus, only two had no other sexually transmitted disease. These findings suggest that N. gonorrhoeae and other sexually transmitted diseases may play a role in either the sexual transmission of or the reactivation of cervical cytomegalovirus infection.     

Prevalence and correlates of Chlamydia trachomatis among sexually active African-American adolescent females

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial pathogen in the United States and disproportionately affects African-American adolescents. The objectives of this study are to determine the prevalence of C. trachomatis and to identify correlates of infection among African-American adolescent females. METHODS: Sexually active African-American adolescent females (n = 522) completed a self-administered survey and structured interview and provided vaginal swab specimens for laboratory assessment of STDs. The relationship among selected psychosocial, behavioral, and biologically confirmed STDs and C. trachomatis was assessed. RESULTS: The prevalence of C. trachomatis was 17.4%. Results of multiple logistic regression revealed that adolescents testing positive for C. trachomatis infection were significantly more likely to test positive for gonorrhea (OR = 5.0; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.69-14.83); to report nonuse of condoms with a steady partner (OR = 2.4; 95% CI 1.23-4.76); to be in shorter relationships (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.13-4.30); and to perceive less parental monitoring (OR = 2.1; 95% CI 1.08-4.15). CONCLUSIONS: Study findings emphasize the need for assessing psychosocial factors, behavioral factors, and the presence of other STDs when determining risk for C. trachomatis. Several of the constructs identified are particularly amenable to behavioral interventions designed to prevent infection.     

Prevalence of Chlamydial and Gonorrheal Infections Among Females in a Juvenile Detention Facility, Honolulu, Hawaii

Limited studies have shown high rates of gonorrheal and chlamydial infections among incarcerated adolescents, however, this population has not been routinely targeted for sexually transmitted disease (STD) screening. This study was done to ascertain the feasibility of screening females for STDs at a juvenile detention facility in Honolulu, Hawaii, and to determine the prevalence of chlamydial and gonorrheal infections in this population. Between January 2000 and December 2001, pelvic examination-based STD screening was offered to all female detainees, on selected dates. Specimens from multiple anatomical sites were cultured for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Endocervical swabs were tested for Chlamydia trachomatis using a DNA probe (GenProbe). One-hundred one of 204 (50%) eligible females were screened. Fourteen of 101 (13.9%) females were screen positive for chlamydial infection, while six of 101 (5.9%) were culture positive for infection with N. gonorrhoeae. Three females were co-infected with both organisms. The high STD rates justify the institution of a routine screening program for this high risk and previously underserved group.     

Emergency department screening for asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the prevalence and correlates of asymptomatic genital tract infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis among emergency department patients. METHODS: Individuals seeking emergency department evaluation for nongenitourinary complaints provided urine samples for N gonorrhoeae and C trachomatis testing by ligase chain reaction and completed a sociodemographic and behavioral questionnaire. RESULTS: Asymptomatic N gonorrhoeae or C trachomatis was found in 9.7% of persons tested. Correlates of C trachomatis infection included younger age, residence in high-morbidity zip code areas, previous history of N gonorrhoeae or C trachomatis, and number of sex partners in the past year. CONCLUSIONS: Urine-based screening of asymptomatic emergency department patients detected significant numbers of N gonorrhoeae and C trachomatis infections. Targeted screening programs may contribute to community-level prevention and control of sexually transmitted infections.     

Etiology of urethral discharge in West Africa: the role of Mycoplasma genitalium and Trichomonas vaginalis

OBJECTIVE: To determine the etiological role of pathogens other than Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis in urethral discharge in West African men. METHODS: Urethral swabs were obtained from 659 male patients presenting with urethral discharge in 72 primary health care facilities in seven West African countries, and in 339 controls presenting for complaints unrelated to the genitourinary tract. Polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to detect the presence of N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma genitalium, and Ureaplasma urealyticum. FINDINGS: N. gonorrhoeae, T. vaginalis, C. trachomatis, and M. genitalium--but not U. urealyticum--were found more frequently in men with urethral discharge than in asymptomatic controls, being present in 61.9%, 13.8%, 13.4% and 10.0%, respectively, of cases of urethral discharge. Multiple infections were common. Among patients with gonococcal infection, T. vaginalis was as frequent a coinfection as C. trachomatis. M. genitalium, T. vaginalis, and C. trachomatis caused a similar clinical syndrome to that associated with gonococcal infection, but with a less severe urethral discharge. CONCLUSIONS: M. genitalium and T. vaginalis are important etiological agents of urethral discharge in West Africa. The frequent occurrence of multiple infections with any combination of four pathogens strongly supports the syndromic approach. The optimal use of metronidazole in flowcharts for the syndromic management of urethral discharge needs to be explored in therapeutic trials.     

Risk assessment and other screening options for gonorrhoea and chlamydial infections in women attending rural Tanzanian antenatal clinics.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries and may play a key role in enhancing the heterosexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Treatment of STDs is one of the most cost-effective of all health interventions in developing countries; however, STDs among women in rural populations have received little attention. In this study, we report that prevalences of STDs among 964 women attending antenatal clinics in a rural area of the United Republic of Tanzania. A total of 378 (39%) of these women were infected with at least one STD pathogen, 97 (10%) had syphilis, and 81 (8%) has Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and/or Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection. The recommended syndromic approach to screening for NG/CT infection, based on reported genital symptoms, had a low sensitivity (43%) and failed to discriminate between infected and uninfected women. A risk score approach that we developed, based on sociodemographic and other factors associated with NG/CT infection, had a higher sensitivity and lower cost per true case treated than other approaches, although its positive predictive value was only about 20%.     

Screening for sexually transmitted diseases during preparticipation sports examination of high school adolescents.

In an urban school district, 636 students in grades 9-12 were tested for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae by ligase chain reaction assays using specimens collected for routine urinalyses during sports physical examinations. Chlamydia and gonorrhea prevalences were 2.8% and 0.7% among males, and 6.5% and 2.0% among females, respectively. Among athletes infected with either sexually transmitted disease (STD), 93.1% reported no symptoms, and treatment was documented for 75.9%. Sports physicals offered a unique opportunity to screen and treat adolescents for STDs and to provide STD-prevention counseling.     

High rate of bacterial vaginosis among women with intrauterine devices in Manado, Indonesia.

Recent research reported that bacterial vaginosis (BV) might enhance the acquisition and transmission of HIV. BV is also associated with an increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, a disease also associated with intrauterine device (IUD) insertion. To measure the magnitude of this problem, we conducted a prevalence survey of BV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs; defined as current infections with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and/or Trichomonas vaginalis) among all patients attending a family planning clinic in Manado from May to July 1999. BV was diagnosed by Gram stain using Nugent's criteria and vaginal trichomoniasis by wet mount or culture. Cervical infections with C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae were diagnosed by DNA probe. Of 357 patients, 116 (32.5%) had BV, 83 (23.3%) had trichomoniasis, 9 (2.5%) had chlamydia, and 8 (2.2%) had gonorrhea. The prevalence of STD was similar among users of all types of contraception. However, BV was more common among IUD users (47.2%) than among non-IUD users (29.9%). This association persisted after controlling for age, education, ever had douching, and any STD (odds ratio 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-3.8). BV was also associated with STD (41.3% in women with STD vs. 29.4% in women without). This association remained significant after adjusting for age, education, ever had douching, and IUD use (odds ratio 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.9). Because we found that BV was associated with IUDs and that other studies reported that both BV and IUDs were associated with pelvic inflammatory disease, a Gram stain evaluation of BV may be considered prior to IUD insertion     

抗原快速检测法用于疑似淋病患者泌尿生殖道样本的评价

目的:评价2种淋病奈瑟菌抗原快速检测试剂检测泌尿生殖道样本的性能。方法:收集352例疑似淋病患者泌尿生殖道分泌物样本,分别用分离培养法和2种淋病奈瑟菌快速抗原检测试剂平行检测,以培养为对照,统计抗原检测方法的特异度和灵敏度。结果:352例样本中培养阳性218例。以培养结果为标准,2种抗原检测试剂检测25例女性宫颈分泌物样本灵敏度分别为95.65%和100%,特异度均为100%。检测327例男性尿道分泌物样本的灵敏度分别为95.38%和96.92%,特异性为99.24%和98.48%。总体检测灵敏度为95.41%和97.25%,特异度为99.25%和98.51%。结论:淋病奈瑟菌抗原检测操作简便,快捷,具有较好的敏感性和特异性,可用于基层医疗机构快速诊断淋病奈瑟菌感染。     

Screening for sexually transmitted diseases in rural women in Papua New Guinea: are WHO therapeutic algorithms appropriate for case detection?

The presence of a large reservoir of untreated sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in developing countries has prompted a number of suggestions for improving case detection, including the use of clinical algorithms and risk assessments to identify women likely to be infected when they present to clinics for other reasons. We used data from a community-based study of STDs to develop and evaluate algorithms for detection of cervical infection with Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and for detection of vaginal infection with Trichomonas vaginalis or bacterial vaginosis. The algorithms were derived using data from 192 randomly selected women, then evaluated on 200 self-selected women. We evaluated the WHO algorithm for vaginal discharge in both groups. The prevalences of cervical and vaginal infection in the randomly selected group were 27% and 50%, respectively, and 23% and 52%, respectively, in the self-selected group. The derived algorithms had high sensitivities in both groups, but poor specificities in the self-selected women, and the positive predictive values were unacceptably low. The WHO algorithms had extremely low sensitivity for detecting either vaginal or cervical infection because relatively few women reported vaginal discharge. Simple algorithms and risk assessments are not valid for case detection in this population.     

Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Risk Behaviors Among California Farmworkers: Results From a Population-Based Survey

ABSTRACT:  Context: The prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases and associated risk behaviors among California farmworkers is not well described. Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and associated risk behaviors among California farmworkers. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of population-based survey data from 6 California agricultural regions was performed for participants tested for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhea (GC), and syphilis, and who completed an interviewer-administered behavioral risk factor survey. Findings: Among the 403 males and 234 females examined and interviewed, males (29.3%) were more likely than females (9.6%) to have had 2 or more sex partners in the past 5 years. Forty-two percent of males ever had sex with a commercial sex worker; unmarried males were more likely than married males to report sex with a commercial sex worker in the past 2 years. Twelve percent of males and 5% of females reported ever having had an STD. Most participants did not report any methods to protect against STDs. Of 192 males and 178 females tested for CT, 3 males and no females were positive. No cases of GC were found. Of 387 males and 194 females tested for syphilis, 4 males and 1 female had positive rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) results. Conclusions: In this population-based survey among agricultural workers, there was low STD prevalence but high prevalence of sexual risk behaviors, particularly among males.     

宫颈涂片对诊断女性生殖道性传播疾病的价值

目的：了解女性宫颈涂片炎症细胞计数对女性生殖道性传播疾病的诊断价值。方法：采用回顾性研究的方法，对2．48名妇女宫颈涂片的炎症细胞数和沙眼衣原及淋球菌感染的关系进行研究。结果：2．48名妇女中沙眼衣原体的感染率为4．0％，淋球菌感染率为2．4％。宫颈涂片炎症细胞计数诊断女性宫颈性传播疾病的敏感性为23．1％，特异性为84．5％，阳性预期值为7．7％，阴性预期值为93．8％。结论：在性传播疾病感染率低的人群，宫颈涂片炎症细胞计数的方法需要结合临床资料来提高诊断女性宫颈性传播疾病的敏感性。     

Screening tests to detect Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections--2002.

Since publication of CDC's 1993 guidelines (CDC, Recommendations for the prevention and management of Chlamydia trachomatis infections, 1993. MMWR 1993;42[No. RR-12]:1-39), nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) have been introduced as critical new tools to diagnose and treat C. trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections. NAATs for C. trachomatis are substantially more sensitive than previous tests. When using a NAAT, any sacrifice in performance when urine is substituted for a traditional swab specimen is limited, thus reducing dependence on invasive procedures and expanding the venues where specimens can be obtained. NAATs can also detect both C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae organisms in the same specimen. However, NAATs are usually more expensive than previous tests, making test performance from an economic perspective a key consideration. This report updates the 1993 guidelines for selecting laboratory tests for C. trachomatis with an emphasis on screening men and women in the United States. (In this report, screening refers to testing persons in the absence of symptoms or signs indicating C. trachomatis or N. gonorrhoeae infection.) In addition, these guidelines consider tests from an economic perspective and expand the previous guidelines to address detection of N. gonorrhoeae as well as C. trachomatis infections. Because of the increased cost of NAATs, certain laboratories are modifying manufacturers' procedures to improve test sensitivity without incurring the full cost associated with screening with a NAAT. Such approaches addressed in these guidelines are pooling of specimens before testing with a NAAT and additional testing of specimens whose non-NAAT test result is within a gray zone. This report also addresses the need for additional testing after a positive screening test to improve the specificity of a final diagnosis. To prepare these guidelines, CDC staff identified pertinent concerns, compiled the related literature published during 1990 or later, prepared tables of evidence, and drafted recommendations. Consultants, selected for their expertise or disciplinary and organizational affiliations, reviewed the draft recommendations. These final guidelines are the recommendations of CDC staff who considered contributions from scientific consultants. These guidelines are intended for laboratorians, clinicians, and managers who must choose among the multiple available tests, establish standard operating procedures for collecting and processing specimens, interpret test results for laboratory reporting, and counsel and treat patients.     

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among women in a multiphysician primary care practice.

I screened 312 women, 18-45 years of age, presenting for routine gynecologic examination or prenatal care in a multiphysician primary care practice for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. I evaluated age, pregnancy, payment status, and presence of clinical cervicitis or gonorrhea as possible predictors of risk for chlamydial infection. Compared to culture, the direct immunofluorescent antibody (DFA) test used to screen for C trachomatis had a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 97%. By culture, the overall prevalence of chlamydial infection was 3.2% (confidence limits [CL] = 1.1-5.9) with a prevalence of 2.2% in nonpregnant women and 9.3% in pregnant women. Overall prevalence by the DFA test was 5.45%. Pregnancy status and youth were the significant predictors of risk for infection as determined by culture but not by Microtrak. Payment status, clinical cervicitis, and gonorrhea cultures were not useful predictors of increased risk. I discuss the implications of using culture, an imperfect "gold standard," for determining sensitivity, specificity, and prevalence.     

女性生殖道性传播疾病病原体混合感染调查

目的 探讨女性生殖道性传播疾病病原体混合感染的检测现状及临床意义。方法 分别采用革兰染色镜检、金标法、培养法、酶标法进行淋菌、沙眼衣原体、解脲脲支原体、人支原体、单纯疱疹病毒等5种病原体检测。结果 2188例女性患者中有〉2种病原体混合感染者175例，占8．0％；21～40岁年龄段的患者占总数的77．7％。结论 应重视性传播疾病的监测与控制工作。