Evaluation of the Gen-Probe PACE 2 assay for the detection of asymptomaticChlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in male arrestees

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.