The 'Finnish new variant of ' escaping detection in the Aptima Combo 2 assay is widespread across Norway, June to August 2019.

The 'Finnish new variant of ' (FI-nvCT), escaping detection in the Aptima Combo 2 assay (AC2), is widespread across Norway. From June to August 2019, 84% (81/97) of available AC2/Aptima CT discordant samples from five laboratories were confirmed as FI-nvCT. Two additional CT variants (CT 23S rRNA C1514T and G1523A) also escaped AC2 detection.

Lactase persistence may explain the paradoxical findings of high vitamin D concentrations in Europeans living in areas of low UV-B irradiation.

Background/objectives: Vitamin D has a critical role in skeletal health and maintaining serum calcium levels. Calcium is needed for a variety of cellular and metabolic processes in the body. Large amounts of vitamin D can be produced in the skin when exposed to UV-B radiation.

Identification of macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma genitalium using real-time PCR.

Objectives: Mycoplasma genitalium is a common cause of non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) in Western Europe, but is not routinely tested for in all clinics. A high prevalence of macrolide-resistant M. genitalium has been reported.