Direct simultaneous detection of 6 sexually transmitted pathogens from clinical specimens by multiplex polymerase chain reaction and auto-capillary electrophoresis

The availability of a reliable and user-friendly method to identify pathogens causing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is essential to reduce the complications and spread of infection. In this study, genital/urinary specimens from 113 patients with STDs were simultaneously tested for 6 pathogens using the automated Seeplex® (Seegene, Seoul, Korea) multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based STD6B auto-capillary electrophoresis (ACE) system. The results were compared with conventional reference methods, including culture and PCR tests. The sensitivity of STD6B ACE was found to be 100% for Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis, and 98% for genital Ureoplasma (U. urealyticum and U. parvum). Specificity ranged from 97% to 100%. One pathogen was detected in 51 specimens, and 2 or more pathogens were detected in 24. In conclusion, the multiplex PCR and ACE system is highly sensitive and specific for the rapid, simultaneous detection of STD pathogens directly from a single specimen.