Nucleic acid tests for the diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases

Nucleic acid (NA) assays have been developed and commercialized for many se xually transmitted diseases (STDs). Solid phase, liquid phase or in situ hy bridization of nucleic acids without amplification procedures have been suc cessfully used for diagnosing Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and human papillomaviruses. Tests which use amplification procedures have p rovided better sensitivity and specificity than traditional tests. With spe cial temperatures and enzymes, the new rests are designed to amplify either the target nucleic acid or the probe after annealing to the target. A thir d approach uses signal amplification. This article discusses the technology , specimen requirements and the current status of NA assay performance for diagnosing STDs and HIV by traditional and non-invasive clinical specimens. (C) 1999 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by El sevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.