ABSTRACT
A rapid and sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in cervical specimens is described. This assay consists of (i) sample preparation which avoids the use of heat, centrifugation, or organic extractions; (ii) rapid, two-temperature PCR amplification of C. trachomatis cryptic plasmid sequences; and (iii) capture and colorimetric detection of amplified DNA in microwell plates. PCR was compared with culture by using 503 cervical specimens. After resolution of discrepant specimens with a confirmatory PCR assay directed against the chlamydial major outer membrane protein gene, PCR had a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 99.7% while culture had a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 100%. In a separate study, PCR was compared with a direct specimen enzyme immunoassay (Chlamydiazyme; Abbott Diagnostics) by using 375 cervical specimens. After resolution of discrepant specimens, PCR had a sensitivity and specificity of 100%, while the enzyme immunoassay had a sensitivity of 58.8% and a specificity of 100%.
Subject(s)
Cervix Uteri/microbiology , Chlamydia trachomatis/genetics , Chlamydia trachomatis/isolation & purification , Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods , Adolescent , Bacteriological Techniques , Base Sequence , Chlamydia Infections/complications , Chlamydia Infections/diagnosis , DNA Probes , DNA, Bacterial/genetics , Evaluation Studies as Topic , Female , Humans , Molecular Sequence Data , Plasmids , Polymerase Chain Reaction/statistics & numerical data , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/diagnosis , Sensitivity and Specificity , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Bacterial/complications , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Bacterial/diagnosis , Uterine Cervicitis/complications , Uterine Cervicitis/diagnosisABSTRACT
Most obstetrical nurses subscribe to the "breast is best" theory. This project examined the current knowledge base of a sample of nurses and their practices relating to breastfeeding in three clinical settings. These study findings reveal that many nurses need to update their knowledge of those practices found to encourage successful breastfeeding. Only seven of 16 questions were answered correctly by more than 50 percent of the nurses surveyed. Areas of adequate knowledge included positioning, breastfeeding frequency, infant suckling patterns, and the importance of night feedings. Areas of inadequate knowledge included timing of the baby at the breast, milk production, use of glucose water, and the use of nipple shields.
