Comparison of Real-Time PCR and a Microimmunofluorescence Serological Assay for Detection of Chlamydophila pneumoniae Infection in an Outbreak Investigation.

Benitez AJ, Thurman KA, Diaz MH, Conklin L, Kendig NE, Winchell JM.

Source

Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA.

Abstract

We assessed the performance of a recently validated real-time PCR assay and a commercially available microimmunofluorescence serologic test for the detection of Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection during an outbreak. Evaluation of specimens from 137 individuals suggests that real-time PCR holds greater utility as a diagnostic tool for early C. pneumoniae detection.