Multiplex Real-time PCR Assay for the Detection of all Chlamydia Species and Simultaneous Differentiation of C. psittaci and C. pneumoniae in Human Clinical Specimens
10.3343/alm.2023.43.4.375
- Author:
Bernard J. WOLFF
1
;
Anna GAINES
;
Andrew B. CONLEY
;
Emily NORRIS
;
Lavanya RISHISHWAR
;
Aroon T. CHANDE
;
Eungi YANG
;
Maureen H. DIAZ
;
Jonas M. WINCHELL
Author Information
1. Division of Bacterial Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Publication Type:Brief Communication
- From:Annals of Laboratory Medicine
2023;43(4):375-380
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
We developed and assessed the performance of a new multiplex real-time PCR assay for the detection of all Chlamydia species and simultaneous differentiation of Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia pneumoniae—two important human respiratory pathogens—in human clinical specimens. Next-generation sequencing was used to identify unique targets to design real-time PCR assays targeting all Chlamydia species, C. psittaci, and C. pneumoniae. To validate the assay, we used a panel of 49 culture isolates comprising seven C. psittaci genotypes, eight C. pneumoniae isolates, seven other Chlamydia species, and 22 near-neighbor bacterial and viral isolates, along with 22 specimens from external quality assessment (EQA) panels and 34 nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs and cerebrospinal fluid, stool, and sputum specimens previously identified as positive or negative for C. psittaci or C. pneumoniae. The assays were 100% specific, with limits of detection of 7.64– 9.02 fg/μL. The assay results matched with historical assay results for all specimens, except for one owing to the increased sensitivity of the new C. psittaci assay; the results of the EQA specimens were 100% accurate. This assay may improve the timely and accurate clinical diagnosis of Chlamydia infections and provide a greater understanding of the burden of disease caused by these agents.
