Development and application of an in-house reverse hybridization method for Chlamydia trachomatis genotyping.

AIM: To develop and evaluate an in-house reverse hybridization technique for Chlamydia trachomatis genotype identification. METHODS AND RESULTS: The evaluation of the developed and optimized reverse hybridization method on reference strains showed the specific detection of all genotypes. This technique showed its ability to type one inclusion-forming unit of C. trachomatis genotype E and equivalent sensitivity to the Cobas TaqMan assay. It was also able to detect mixed infections in vitro. Application of the reverse hybridization method on 38 isolated C. trachomatis strains and their respective swabs allowed the detection of six urogenital genotypes D, E, F, G, H and K and one trachoma genotype B. Genotype E was the most prevalent, detected in 73% of the swab samples. Mixed infections were detected in 26% of swab cases. CONCLUSION: The reverse hybridization technique is simple and does not require specialized instruments. It is powerful in the diagnosis of mixed infections and is suitable for use in epidemiological studies. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This technique allowed rapid C. trachomatis genotype identification.