How useful is the Chlamydia micro-immunofluorescence (MIF) test for the gynaecologist?

Abstract

Three patients with a chlamydial respiratory tract infection showed significant titre rises for the three chlamydial micro-immunofluorescence tests, performed with Chlamydia pneumoniae, C. psittaci and C. trachomatis. Such cross-reactions procure an inaccurate discrimination between the various Chlamydia species which remains speculative anyhow when only a positive serological profile against one chlamydial subspecies is performed. We consider that using the serologic assay as proof for past sexually transmitted C. trachomatis infection falls outside the limits of prudent interpretation of laboratory tests.