| HOME | HELP | FEEDBACK | SUBSCRIPTIONS | ARCHIVE | SEARCH | TABLE OF CONTENTS |
Review Articles |




From the Clinical Virology Research Unit,
*
Sir Albert Sakzewski Virus Research Centre, Royal Childrens Hospital and Health Service District, Queensland; the Clinical Medical Virology Centre,
University of Queensland, Queensland; the Microbiology Department,
South Eastern Area Laboratory Services, Sydney, New South Wales; and the Microbiology Division,
Queensland Health Pathology Service, Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital Campus, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Abstract
Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) for the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae became available in the early 1990s. Although offering several advantages over traditional detection methods, N. gonorrhoeae NAATs do have some limitations. These include cost, risk of carryover contamination, inhibition, and inability to provide antibiotic resistance data. In addition, there are sequence-related limitations that are unique to N. gonorrhoeae NAATs. In particular, false-positive results are a major consideration. These primarily stem from the frequent horizontal genetic exchange occurring within the Neisseria genus, leading to commensal Neisseria species acquiring N. gonorrhoeae genes. Furthermore, some N. gonorrhoeae subtypes may lack specific sequences targeted by a particular NAAT. Therefore, NAAT false-negative results because of sequence variation may occur in some gonococcal populations. Overall, the N. gonorrhoeae species continues to present a considerable challenge for molecular diagnostics. The need to evaluate N. gonorrhoeae NAATs before their use in any new patient population and to educate physicians on the limitations of these tests is emphasized in this review.
This article has been cited by other articles:
![]() |
R. G. Girardet, S. Lahoti, L. A. Howard, N. N. Fajman, M. K. Sawyer, E. M. Driebe, F. Lee, R. L. Sautter, E. Greenwald, C. M. Beck-Sague, et al. Epidemiology of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Suspected Child Victims of Sexual Assault Pediatrics, July 1, 2009; 124(1): 79 - 86. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
M Mahto, S Zia, D Ritchie, and H Mallinson Diagnosis, management and prevalence estimation of gonorrhoea: influences of Aptima Combo 2 assay with alternative target confirmation Int J STD AIDS, May 1, 2009; 20(5): 315 - 319. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S Hawkes, M Collumbien, L Platt, N Lalji, N Rizvi, A Andreasen, J Chow, R Muzaffar, H ur-Rehman, N Siddiqui, et al. HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among men, transgenders and women selling sex in two cities in Pakistan: a cross-sectional prevalence survey Sex Transm Inf, April 1, 2009; 85(Suppl_2): ii8 - ii16. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
S Alexander, C Ison, J Parry, C Llewellyn, S Wayal, D Richardson, A Phillips, H Smith, M Fisher, and on behalf of the Brighton Home Sampling Kits Steer Self-taken pharyngeal and rectal swabs are appropriate for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in asymptomatic men who have sex with men Sex Transm Inf, November 1, 2008; 84(6): 488 - 492. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
D Barlow Commentary Sex Transm Inf, April 1, 2008; 84(2): 121 - 121. [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
I. M. C. Martin, E. Foreman, V. Hall, A. Nesbitt, G. Forster, and C. A. Ison Non-cultural detection and molecular genotyping of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from a piece of clothing J. Med. Microbiol., April 1, 2007; 56(4): 487 - 490. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
![]() |
G. Lum, S. M. Garland, S. Tabrizi, G. Harnett, D. W. Smith, T. P. Sloots, D. M. Whiley, J. W. Tapsall, P. Lowe, P. O'Loughlin, et al. Supplemental Testing Is Still Required in Australia for Samples Positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae by Nucleic Acid Detection Tests. J. Clin. Microbiol., November 1, 2006; 44(11): 4292 - 4294. [Full Text] [PDF] |
||||
| HOME | HELP | FEEDBACK | SUBSCRIPTIONS | ARCHIVE | SEARCH | TABLE OF CONTENTS |