Resumen

ARRAIZ R, Nailet et al. Molecular diagnosis and Chlamydia trachomatis infections prevalence in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients of a population of the Zulia State, Venezuela . Rev. chil. infectol. [online]. 2007, vol.24, n.1, pp. 48-52. ISSN 0716-1018.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0716-10182007000100007.

One of the world-wide most prevalent sexually transmitted pathogens is Chlamydia trachomatis. Technical limitations in their detection difficult the estimation of it true prevalence. The aim of this study was to investigate C. trachomatis prevalence in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients by two PCR assays. DNA extraction of endocervical swabs from 105 patients were performed and the samples tested by PCR. Positive samples for C. trachomatis were considered if fragments in both PCR reactions were observed. The prevalence rates were 13.7%, 7.4% and 10.4% for the symptomatic, asymptomatic patients and the total population, respectively. Highest prevalence was registered in symptomatic 20 to 30 years old patients. (19.2%) Chlamydia trachomatis prevalence in the population was relatively high and is desirable to apply diagnostics strategies as the reported one in this study to detect the pathogen and offer an adequate and opportune treatment to patients

Palabras llave : polymerase chain reaction; endocervical swabs; symptomatic asymptomatic.