Diagnostic Methods (continued)

Serology

Serology is rarely used for uncomplicated genital infections caused by C. trachomatis. Serology is of value in the diagnosis of LGV, where there are complement-fixation titers of 1:64 or greater can support the diagnosis in the appropriate clinical context. High background prevalence and infrequent rises and falls in IgG and IgM make it less practical to use routinely. In addition to LGV, serology may be useful in other selected tissue invasive infections (perihepatitis, PID, and infant pneumonitis).

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