Application of polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of gonococcal urethritis
Qu, X.Z.; Zhu, J.C.; Hou, S.K.
Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi 74(11): 659
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0376-2491 PMID: 7866898 Document Number: 427714
84 suspected patients with gonococcal urethritis were diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It was demonstrated that 28 patients (33.3%) were positive, and 56 (66.7%) negative. Of the PCR-positive patients, 18 showed secretions from the urethral tract, on which the bacterial stain and culture were carried out. The results indicate that 12 patients were positive, and 6 negative. There was no patient with positive stain and culture with PCR-negative. We conclude that PCR is more specific and sensitive than other routine methods in the diagnosis of gonococcal urethritis, especially of chronic infection.