3024. PCR. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (u/g scraping, qualitative determination)

PCR testing for Neisseria gonorrhoeae from urogenital swabs is an accurate method for diagnosing gonorrhea. It can detect the pathogen's DNA even in asymptomatic cases or in cases with a low bacterial load. It is recommended for suspected STIs, complications, or screening.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a gram-negative bacterium that causes gonorrhea, one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Gonorrhea can affect the mucous membranes of the genitourinary tract, rectum, pharynx, and eyes, and has a wide range of clinical manifestations, from severe inflammation to asymptomatic carriage.

Without proper treatment, the infection can cause dangerous complications:

• in women – cervicitis, urethritis, endometritis, salpingitis, tuboperitoneal infertility, and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy;
• in men – acute urethritis, balanoposthitis, epididymitis, orchiepididymitis, and impaired fertility;
• in both sexes – gonococcal pharyngitis, proctitis, gonococcal arthritis, mucocutaneous lesions, and generalized gonococcal infection (DGI).

A low-symptom or asymptomatic course of the disease is particularly dangerous, especially in women. This not only complicates timely diagnosis but also facilitates the spread of the pathogen among partners.

Advantages of real-time PCR:

• Direct detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae DNA, regardless of the viability of the bacteria.
• High analytical sensitivity allows for the detection of infection with minimal strain.
• Effective in cases of latent infection, reinfection, or after partial treatment;
• Quick results, highly accurate, without the need for culture.

Sample for testing:

• for men – urethral swab;
• for women – cervical, cervical canal, and urethral swab.

For oropharyngeal or rectal manifestations, a swab from the appropriate areas can be tested (in a separate analysis).

• For STI symptoms (painful urination, abnormal discharge, lower abdominal pain).
• Patients with recurrent urethritis, cervicitis, or colpitis.
• In case of contact with an infected partner.
• Couples with infertility or prior to ART (IVF, ICSI).
• Before gynecological or urological interventions.
• As a preventive screening in high-risk groups (frequent partner changes, HIV-positive status, etc.).

• Scrapes from various sites depending on the test

Women