Reduced-cost Chlamydia trachomatis-specific multiplex real-time PCR diagnostic assay evaluated for ocular swabs and use by trachoma research programmes

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

We describe a pipeline from collection to diagnosis providing the most efficient sample preservation and extraction with significant per test cost savings over a commercial qPCR diagnostic assay. The assay and its evaluation should allow control programs wishing to conduct independent research within the context of trachoma control, access to an affordable test with defined performance characteristics.