Performance and impact of using a rapid molecular test to detect Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in women suspected of having pelvic inflammatory disease

Abstract

ObjectiveThe diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is challenging. Testing for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) in the lower genital tract is recommended, since a positive result supports the diagnosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of CT/NG infection in women suspected of having PID and the usefulness of a rapid molecular test to detect CT/NG. MethodsThis observational study included 3 groups of patients: mild-to-moderate PID (n=33), severe PID (n=29) and non-specific lower abdominal pain (NSAP) (n=13). CT/NG infection were analyzed using a standard and a rapid test. A cost analysis was carried out. ResultsThe presence of CT/NG was determined in 75 endocervical and urine samples. Endocervical samples of 19 patients (25.3%) were CT/ NG positive (two cases of co-infection). NG was not detected in urine in one case. Concordance between rapid and standard tests was 100%. However, the mean time to achieve results was shorter with the rapid test: 2.22 vs. 24.37 hours, respectively (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the presence of CT/NG in mild-to-moderate compared to severe PID. Costs differed according only to disease severity but to the presence of CT/NG. Only one patient with NSAP was positive for CT. ConclusionsRapid molecular tests could help with the diagnosis of PID in sexually active women in clinical settings in which a standard technique is not available. Nonetheless, a positive test for CT/NG may not be determinant of the clinical management. The only cost difference relates to disease severity.