Jf. Beltrami et al., Evaluation of the Gen-Probe PACE 2 assay for the detection of asymptomaticChlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in male arrestees, SEX TRA DIS, 25(10), 1998, pp. 501-504
Background: The LET and Gen-Probe PACE 2 assay are used to screen male arre
stees for evidence of infection with chlamydia and gonorrhea in the intake/
booking area of the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center.
Goal of this Study: To determine the accuracy of the GenProbe PACE 2 assay
for the detection of asymptomatic infection with Chlamydia trachomatis and
Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in male arrestees,
Study Design: From December 1993 to March 1994, 196 arrestees younger than
22 years were screened with the GenProbe PACE 2 assay and McCoy shell vial
culture for Chlamydia trachomatis. From April to October 1994, 444 arrestee
s of all ages were screened with the Gen-Probe PACE 2 assay and standard cu
lture for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, The sensitivity, specificity, and predicti
ve values of the Gen-Probe PACE 2 assay, compared with culture, were calcul
ated with 95% confidence intervals.
Results: The Gen-Probe PACE 2 assay compared with culture had a sensitivity
, specificity, and positive predictive value for Chlamydia trachomatis of 8
4%, 99%, and 93% and for Neisseria gonorrhoeae of 54%, 99.5%, and 78%,
Conclusion: The Gen-Probe PACE 2 assay is useful for screening young males
in this jail setting and is more accurate for detecting Chlamydia trachomat
is compared with Neisseria gonorrhoeae.