Elsevier

The Lancet

Volume 340, Issue 8811, 11 July 1992, Pages 81-82
The Lancet

SHORT REPORTS
Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis DNA in joints of reactive arthritis patients by polymerase chain reaction

https://doi.org/10.1016/0140-6736(92)90399-NGet rights and content

Abstract

In 1986, Chlamydia trachomatis elementary bodies were found by direct immunofluorescence (DIF) in synovial-fluid cell deposits and synovial-membrane biopsy samples from five of eight patients with sexually acquired reactive arthritis (SARA) but in none of eight controls with other types of arthritis. Cells from the original slides (stored at 4°C) have now been examined by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that amplifies DNA for the major outer membrane protein of C trachomatis. Chlamydial DNA was found in samples from four DIF-positive patients, one DIF-negative patient, and one DIF-negative control. Overall, there was 80% concordance for DIF and PCR results. This study supports our previous finding of chlamydiae in joints in reactive arthritis.

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