Which test on a vaginal swab is used to identify Chlamydia trachomatis in a preschooler with vaginal discharge?

Which test on a vaginal swab is used to identify Chlamydia trachomatis in a preschooler with vaginal discharge?

• A. Enzyme immunoassay (EIA)
• B. Culture
• C. DNA probe
• D. Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT)

Answer: (B)

The essential idea is that confirming Chlamydia trachomatis in a preschooler from a vaginal swab relies on a test that proves the presence of live organism. Culture on appropriate cell lines (historically McCoy cells) provides a definitive, highly specific identification by demonstrating viable Chlamydia organisms in the specimen. This makes a positive culture a concrete confirmation of infection, which can be especially important in pediatric evaluations where precise confirmation is critical. EIA and DNA probe tests detect bacterial components or genetic material but can be less sensitive or specific in some settings, leading to missed infections or false positives. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are the most sensitive overall and are widely used today, but in some pediatric contexts or older practice patterns, culture remains the reference standard for definitive confirmation when available.

The essential idea is that confirming Chlamydia trachomatis in a preschooler from a vaginal swab relies on a test that proves the presence of live organism. Culture on appropriate cell lines (historically McCoy cells) provides a definitive, highly specific identification by demonstrating viable Chlamydia organisms in the specimen. This makes a positive culture a concrete confirmation of infection, which can be especially important in pediatric evaluations where precise confirmation is critical.

EIA and DNA probe tests detect bacterial components or genetic material but can be less sensitive or specific in some settings, leading to missed infections or false positives. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are the most sensitive overall and are widely used today, but in some pediatric contexts or older practice patterns, culture remains the reference standard for definitive confirmation when available.