GIÁ TRỊ CỦA TEST NHANH DỰA TRÊN KHÁNG NGUYÊN CHẨN ĐOÁN NHIỄM CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS

Abstract

Background: The rapid tests for Chlamydia trachomatis infection can aid in disease management and reduce transmission. This study compares the rapid test with PCR test in diagnosing C. trachomatis infection to evaluate the validity of rapid test. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients over 18 years old with symptoms of genital discharge. Cervical swabs (for females) and urethral swabs (for males) were taken for both rapid testing and PCR test. Results: A total of 196 eligible patients were included in the study. Females accounted for 68.4%, and the age group over 25 years constituted 66.8% of the cohort. The prevalence of C. trachomatis was 14.3%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the rapid test were 53.6% (95% CI: 33.9-72.5%), 86.3% (95% CI: 80.2-91.1%), 39.5% (95% CI: 28.1-52.1%), and 91.8% (95% CI: 88.2-94.3%), respectively. Conclusion: The rapid test has lower sensitivity compared to PCR but is easier to perform, less expensive, and provides faster results. The rapid test remains valuable in disease management in settings with limited resources and low follow-up rates.