Chlamydia trachomatis serology

When to request this test

• Persistent or complicated infections: pelvic inflammatory disease in women, tubo-ovarian abscess, chronic Chlamydial peritonitis
• Infertility: elevated anti-Chlamydia IgG is associated with past infection and increased risk of fallopian tube damage and infertility
• Extragenital or systemic infections: lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) especially when molecular tests are unavailable, reactive arthritis (Reiter’s syndrome)
• Neonatal and pediatric infections: serology (IgM) may indicate prior in utero or perinatal infection

Serologic tests for Chlamydia trachomatis are not routinely used for diagnosing active genital infections but can be useful in specific clinical situations.

Interferences & limitations

• Low sensitivity for acute infection: poor performance for diagnosing genital infections, PCR or NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests) is much more sensitive and specific for detecting active Chlamydial infections
• Cross-reactivity with other Chlamydia species (C. pneumoniae, C. psittaci) can cause false-positive results

1 day

• Sample nature: Serum
• Recommended volume: 2 mL
• Type of container: serum tube or serum separation tube (SST)

<12h at room temperature