A new technic for transport, enrichment, and cultural detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

This article describes a new transport and enrichment technic that improves growth conditions of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and that is particularly suitable for use in dermatology clinics with no bacteriology facilities. The deep-prick culture makes use of a simple and proven selective medium, which is placed in small plastic or glass vessels. After inoculation deep into the agar medium, the gonococci themselves create the required microaerophilic environment. Inoculated smear material can therefore be transported without loss. Our experience, which has lasted for more than 3 years and which has included more than 4000 patients, showed that in 98% to 99% of cases of suspected gonorrhea, gonococci can be detected with a contamination rate of less than 3%.