Evaluation of methods for the rapid identification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in a routine clinical laboratory

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Abstract
Of 78 [human] isolates of N. gonorrhoeae, 21 failed to grow and produce acid in unsupplemented cystine-Trypticase agar (CTA); positive reactions were obtained by using serum-supplemented CTA and fluorescent antibody (FA). An additional 290 strains of Neisseria were evaluated by FA and by a rapid carbohydrate degradation technique (RF). There was 92% agreement between the 2 methods on the initial and 99% agreement with repeats on discrepancies. The RF and FA tests provided rapid and reliable identification of N. gonorrhoeae, alleviating the problems of CTA due to lack of growth and need for overnight incubation.