Abstract: Objective To evaluate the value of ligase chain reaction (LCR) in the diagnosis of gonorrhoea.Methods A comparative evaluation of LCR and cell culture was performed in 330 women in a family planning clinic. For resolving discordant specimens between the two tests, polymerase chain reaction was used. The result of tests was analysed with EPIINFO software.Results 30 of 330(9.0%) women had positive LCR results and 27 of 330(8.2%) were positive for cell culture. 13 specimens were discordant for LCR and cell culture. The sensitivity and specificity of LCR in the diagnosis of gonorrhoea were 89% and 99.7% respectively.Conclusion This study shows that LCR has a higher sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of gonorrhoea.

Key words: Neisseria Gonorrhoeae, Culture, Ligase chain reaction, Polymerase chain reaction