DNA-amplification techniques are used to confirm infection with which pathogen?

• A. Chlamydia trachomatis
• B. Ehrlichia chaffeensis
• C. Rickettsia prowazekii
• D. Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Answer: (A)

DNA amplification tests, such as PCR-based NAATs, are highly sensitive and specific for detecting a microbe’s genetic material directly from patient specimens. This is especially useful for Chlamydia trachomatis because it is an obligate intracellular bacterium that is difficult to culture using routine methods. By targeting a specific gene or plasmid present in the organism, these tests rapidly confirm infection from noninvasive samples like urine or cervical/vaginal swabs, providing reliable results that guide timely treatment. While other pathogens can be detected by molecular methods as well, the standard diagnostic use of DNA amplification in this context is for Chlamydia trachomatis due to the combination of easy sample collection and robust test performance.