Pathfinder direct fluorescent antigen test for diagnosing maternal chlamydial infections. An evaluation
Grossman, J.H.; Rivlin, M.E.; Morrison, J.C.
Journal of Reproductive Medicine 37(2): 170-172
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-7758 PMID: 1538363 Document Number: 389777
Chlamydia trachomatis is a frequent cause of genital infections in young women. Clamydial infections may adversely affect perinatal outcome. We compared the Pathfinders direct fluorescent antigen (DFA) test for chlamydial infections to tissue culture isolation in an obstetric population. Among 984 samples, 152 (15.4%) were inadequate for evaluation using the Pathfinder DFA test. Among 783 evaluable specimen pairs, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive, and negative predictive values of the Pathfinder, as compared to tissue culture isolation were 25%, 97.5%, 32.1% and 96.4%, respectively. On this basis of that experience, we do not recommend the Pathfinder DFA test as a clinical screening device for detecting chlamydial infections complicating pregnancy.