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RESEARCH ARTICLE

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

Vessela V. Ouzounova-Raykova A C , Mohamed El Tibi B and Ivan G. Mitov A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Sofia, ‘Zdrave’2 Street 1431, Sofia, Bulgaria.

B Department of Urology, Alexander University Hospital, Medical University of Sofia, ‘Zdrave’2 Street 1431, Sofia, Bulgaria.

C Corresponding author. Email: pumpi@abv.bg

Sexual Health 8(3) 442-444 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH11056
Submitted: 31 March 2011  Accepted: 7 April 2011   Published: 17 August 2011

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.

Additional keyword: Bulgaria.


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