Nucleic acid amplification tests, including the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), are sensitive and specific tests that are often used for diagnosing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). A pseudo-outbreak of pharyngeal gonorrhoea in a group of prostitutes turned out to have been caused by false-positive test results due to commensal oropharyngeal Neisseria species. Specific molecular tests may yield erroneous results. When the results of an STD study have major consequences at a legal or social level, it is advisable, in consultation with a medical microbiologist, to take a sample for culture or to carry out a second molecular test aimed at a different part of the bacterial genome.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Pertussis Pseudo-outbreak linked to specimens contaminated by Bordetella pertussis DNA From clinic surfaces.
Pediatrics
February 2012
Epidemic Intelligence Service, Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
Background And Objectives: We investigated a pertussis outbreak characterized by atypical cases, confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) alone at a single laboratory, which persisted despite high vaccine coverage and routine control measures. We aimed to determine whether Bordetella pertussis was the causative agent and advise on control interventions.
Methods: We conducted case ascertainment, confirmatory testing for pertussis and other pathogens, and an assessment for possible sources of specimen contamination, including a survey of clinic practices, sampling clinics for B pertussis DNA, and review of laboratory quality indicators.
[A pseudo-outbreak of pharyngeal gonorrhoea related to a false-positive PCR-result].
Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd
March 2007
Catharina-ziekenhuis, afd. Dermatologie, Michelangelolaan 2, 5623 EJ Eindhoven.
Nucleic acid amplification tests, including the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), are sensitive and specific tests that are often used for diagnosing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). A pseudo-outbreak of pharyngeal gonorrhoea in a group of prostitutes turned out to have been caused by false-positive test results due to commensal oropharyngeal Neisseria species. Specific molecular tests may yield erroneous results.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!