The first simultaneous study of the prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis infections by polymerase chain reaction and standard methods

Abstract

Background Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis are important sexually transmissible pathogens. The aim of the present study was to determine their prevalence in symptomatic and asymptomatic people. Methods: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and standard methods were tested for 413 specimens. Results: The registered prevalence with PCR was N. gonorrhoeae 2.66% and C. trachomatis 0.73%. One man showed co-infection. Standard methods demonstrated lower sensitivity in finding N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis in comparison with the PCR. Conclusions: This is the first simultaneous study in Bulgaria for detection of N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis by PCR and standard methods. N. gonorrhoeae was found to be a more frequent infection. Further investigations are needed.