Gonorrhoea is a sexually-transmitted infection with over 300,000 cases annually in the USⁱ alone. The disease is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and can  be difficult to diagnose, particularly from samples taken from non-genital areas such as throat or rectal swabs. A significant challenge has been determining a suitable nucleic acid target for a PCR-based diagnostic assay.

Queensland Health researchers have isolated a novel target that is based on a gene present in all N. gonorrhoeae strains, can be detected in samples  taken from a range of body sites, and not present in other Neisseria species. The target is the basis of a more accurate rapid diagnostic test for gonorrhoea, with sensitivity and specificity that make it appropriate both for diagnosis and screening.

• Licenceⁱ

STD, STI, itching, vaginal discharge, penis pus, urinating pain, Gonococcal, pelvic inflammatory disease, PID, micro-epidemics, Communicable Disease