Detection by multiplex polymerase chain reaction and typing of Chlamydia trachomatis isolates.

The multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was applied for the detection of the Chlamydia trachomatis chromosome and plasmid. The multiplex PCR demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.8 fg of chlamydial DNA, corresponding to the detection of about 5 copies of the plasmid. Analysis of 195 genital specimens collected randomly from a female population, showed that the multiplex PCR is more sensitive and rapid than culturing for detecting Chlamydia trachomatis. Moreover, sequencing of the II variable domain of the omp1 gene, directly from DNA of the clinical specimens, appears to be a simple and rapid method for determining serovar isolates.