Direct detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in clinical samples.

Some properties of a monoclonal antibody raised against the major outer membrane protein of Chlamydia trachomatis strain L2 are described. The antibody was fluorescein (FITC) conjugated and was provided as a diagnostic kit (Chlamyset Antigen Test, Orion Diagnostica). The monoclonal antibody reacted well with strains K, L1, L2, D, E, and G, and moderately well with the strains F, C, J, A, H and I of C. trachomatis. It did not react with the human C. psittaci strain Tw 183. The reagent had a sensitivity of 89.3% and a specificity of 98.7% when compared to parallel isolation in tissue culture. The monoclonal reagent seemed to be sensitive and very specific for rapid detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in clinical samples.