The use of DNA microarray technology for detection and genetic characterisation of chlamydiae.

Due to its highly parallel approach, DNA microarray technology opens up new possibilities that may be particularly beneficial for laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases. We developed a microarray assay for detection and differentiation of all currently defined chlamydial species belonging to the genera Chlamydia and Chlamydophila using the ArrayTube system, which we found to be particularly user-friendly and economical. The test includes PCR amplification of a 23S rDNA target region with concurrent biotinylation and subsequent hybridisation in the ArrayTube, a micro-reaction tube carrying the microarray chip on the bottom. In addition to high specificity, the assay was shown to allow detection and genetic characterisation of single PCR-amplifiable target DNA copies.