The effect of delaying incubation in a C02-enriched environment on gonococci

Neisseria gonorrhoeae were isolated from 1,019 (39.8%) of 2,558 male patients examined in a venereal disease clinic. Three specimens per patient were plated on Thayer-Martin medium. One plate was placed in a C02 -enriched environment and incubated immediately. The other two were held at room temperature in a standard atmosphere for 1-4 hours before similar processing. A statistically significant loss of N. gonorrhoeae was found when placement in a candle jar and incubation was delayed 2 or more hours. Morever, the appearance of colonies was delayed and colonial size and number were significantly reduced in specimens held 2 hours or longer before incubation in a candle jar.

Culture of urinary sediment for the diagnosis of gonorrhoea in women

1,001 consecutive women seen in a V.D. clinic were screened for gonorrhoea by cultures of urinary sediment, the endocervix, and anal canal. Recovery of Neisseria gonorrhoeae on culture of urinary sediment was 81-7 per cent. as productive as culture of the endocervix, and 79-2 per cent. compared to endocervical and anal canal culturing. Urogenital symptoms were present in 55-1 per cent. of women with negative cultures and 64-6 per cent. of those with gonorrhoea. A complaint of dysuria increased the likelihood of a positive urinary sediment or endocervical culture. Culture of urinary sediment is less sensitive than culture of the endocervix. However, the ease with which specimens are obtained and the relative simplicity of the technique could make this method an acceptable tool for screening large numbers of women for gonorrhoea.