GENOMIC ASSESSMENT OF WITHIN-HOST POPULATION VARIATION IN NEISSERIA GONORRHOEAE: IMPLICATIONS FOR GONORRHOEA TRANSMISSION

Abstract

Objectives: Mathematical modelling and genomic analyses are powerful methods for investigating the transmission dynamics of Neisseria gonorrhoeae , however, often make the implicit assumption that N. gonorrhoeae isolates at different anatomical sites within the same individual are the same strain. Methods: In this study, two approaches were used to explore genetic diversity. First, we examined a collection of stored, clinical N. gonorrhoeae isolates sourced from multiple anatomical sites of single individuals attending a sexual health clinic in Melbourne from 2011-2019. Second, we obtained multiple colony picks from primary clinical samples from individuals attending a sexual health clinic ..