JMD Association for Molecular Pathology 2008 Annual Meeting
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS

This Article
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Purchase Article
Right arrow View Shopping Cart
Services
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow reprints & permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Whiley, D. M.
Right arrow Articles by Sloots, T. P.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Whiley, D. M.
Right arrow Articles by Sloots, T. P.
JMD 2006, Vol. 8, No. 1
Copyright © 2006 American Society for Investigative Pathology & Association for Molecular Pathology

Review Articles

Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing for Neisseria gonorrhoeae

An Ongoing Challenge

David M. Whiley*,{dagger}, John W. Tapsall{ddagger} and Theo P. Sloots*,{dagger}§

From the Clinical Virology Research Unit, * Sir Albert Sakzewski Virus Research Centre, Royal Children’s Hospital and Health Service District, Queensland; the Clinical Medical Virology Centre, {dagger} University of Queensland, Queensland; the Microbiology Department, {ddagger} South Eastern Area Laboratory Services, Sydney, New South Wales; and the Microbiology Division, § Queensland Health Pathology Service, Royal Brisbane and Women’s 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:


Home page
 Sex. Transm. Infect.Home page
D Barlow
Commentary
Sex. Transm. Inf., April 1, 2008; 84(2): 121 - 121.
[Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J Med MicrobiolHome page
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]

Home page
 J. Clin. Microbiol.Home page
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
Copyright © 2006 by the American Society for Investigative Pathology and the Association for Molecular Pathology.