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Chlamydia
No evidence of the Chlamydia trachomatis variant in the UK
  1. M Sillis1,
  2. S Skidmore2,
  3. H Mallinson3,
  4. T Todd4,
  5. L Coupland1,
  6. P Oliver2,
  7. I Robinson3,
  8. D Saunders5,
  9. L Hesketh6
  1. 1Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital Trust, Norwich, UK
  2. 2Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, Telford, UK
  3. 3University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool, UK
  4. 4North Cumbria NHS Acute Trust, Carlisle, UK
  5. 5HPA Laboratory, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle, UK
  6. 6Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, UK
  1. Correspondence to:
 Margaret Sillis
 Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, Bowthorpe Road, Norwich NR2 3TX, UK; margaret.sillis{at}nnuh.nhs.uk

Abstract

Objectives: The discovery of a variant strain of Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) in Sweden has raised awareness of its possible undetected spread in the UK. The assays that fail to detect this variant are widely used in this country. This study aimed to determine if this variant is circulating in the UK.

Method: 1680 genital specimens tested negative by the Roche assays were retested by Aptima Combo2. Discordant results were sequenced to check for the deletion variant.

Results: Of 1680 specimens tested, 29 were candidates for sequencing: 16 were negative for the variant, 11 failed to amplify, and 2 were lost.

Discussion: No Ct deletion variants were found in the UK. If it is circulating, then the prevalence is low (0–0.77%), but even a low level cannot be ignored. The system we describe is simple and suitable for rapid response and phasing of surveillance to match an unknown level of threat if other variants emerge.

  • Ct, Chlamydia trachomatis

http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/sti.2007.027698

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    Footnotes

    • Funding: We are grateful to Gen-probe for providing the Aptima kits free of charge and for organising the sequencing to be performed.

    • Competing interests: None.

    • Margaret Sillis, Sue Skidmore, Harry Mallinson and Tony Todd are members of Health Protection Agency Chlamydia Diagnosis Forum. They are not HPA employees.

    • Published Online First 22 August 2007