Isolation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae using urine as a holding medium.

OBJECTIVE

To utilise urine as a holding medium in isolating Neisseria gonorrhoeae in place of urethral, high-vaginal and endocervical swabs.

DESIGN

Screening and diagnostic test.

SETTING

A rural community in Jos and Applied Microbiology Research Unit, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria.

SUBJECTS

A random sample of 300 asymptomatic individuals (151 males, 149 females).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Neisseria gonorrhoeae identification.

RESULT

Nineteen Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates were obtained with the isolation rate to 6.3%. Twelve isolates from males and seven isolates from females representing 63.7% and 36.8% respectively. The peak age group was 21-25 years with 12 positive cases (63.2%).

CONCLUSION

Urine culture proved an effective and painless alternative in screening N. gonorrhoeae in asymptomatic individuals. The age group 21-25 years is suggested for intervention studies. This method is less expensive and easily accepted by subjects as confidentiality is also maintained.