False-positive Chlamydiazyme results during urine sediment analysis due to bacterial urinary tract infections

J Clin Microbiol. 1991 Jul;29(7):1436-8. doi: 10.1128/jcm.29.7.1436-1438.1991.

Abstract

Our study examined whether urinary tract infections (UTIs) would cause false-positive results when urine sediment was tested with the Chlamydiazyme (CZ) system. Thirty-six infected urine samples and fifteen controls were studied. All controls were negative. Forty-seven percent of Escherichia coli UTIs (n = 30) and 100% of Klebsiella pneumoniae UTIs (n = 4) were positive on CZ testing of urine sediment. Nine E. coli UTIs positive by CZ were negative by direct fluorescent-antibody staining. When suspensions of the pure cultures were analyzed, 47% of E. coli and 100% of K. pneumoniae samples were CZ positive. False-positive results were not related to organism biotype or urine characteristics, including pH, specific gravity, and leukocyte count. We conclude that the presence of a UTI and also bacterial contamination must be ruled out prior to urine sediment testing.

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Bacterial / urine
  • Bacteriological Techniques*
  • Chlamydia Infections / diagnosis*
  • Chlamydia Infections / urine
  • Chlamydia trachomatis*
  • Cross Reactions
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Urinary Tract Infections / diagnosis*
  • Urinary Tract Infections / urine

Substances

  • Antigens, Bacterial