Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is the second most leading cause of sexually transmitted diseases worldwide, with approximately 89.1 million cases occurring annually worldwide. CT is the causative infectious agent for a variety of diseases in men, including urethritis, proctitis, conjunctivitis and epididymitis. In women, the consequences of infection with CT are severe if left untreated. Infection can lead to endometriosis, salpingitis (with subsequent infertility and ectopic pregnancy) and perihepatitis. Additionally, infants from infected mothers can develop conjunctivitis, pharyngitis, and pneumonia.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) is the causative agent of gonorrhoeae. Acute urethritis is seen in the majority of men with gonorrhoeae, and acute epididymitis is the most common complication, particularly in young men. In women, the primary site of infection is the endocervix, there’s a high prevalence of coinfections with CT, Trichomonas vaginalis, and bacterial vaginosis. Many women remain asymptomatic; when symptoms do occur, the most common are increased discharge, dysuria, and intermenstrual bleeding. Additionally, NG may cause pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, tubo ovarian abscess, and pelvic peritonitis.
Preparation of patient: Prior to the collection of urine, the patient should not have urinated for at least one hour. For best results, female patients should not cleanse the labial area prior to collection.
There is no physical preparation for the vaginal swab.
Precautions: None for patient. Media contains Guanidine Thiocyanate, adequate PPE for the person taking the sample.
Note: Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria Gonorrhoeae are notifiable diseases under the Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 53/2020).
