Evaluation of opa-based real-time PCR for detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Abstract

Objectives: Detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae by commercial and in-house-based assays has been hampered by false-positive and false-negative results. The current study describes a sensitive and specific real-time 5′-nuclease PCR assay targeting a 90-bp region of the multicopy opa gene. Goal: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of this assay in detection of gonococcus. Study: Sensitivity and specificity were determined by testing a panel of 173 microorganisms. In addition, 135 clinical samples previously evaluated by 4 nucleic acid amplification methods were also tested. Results: A sensitivity of 1 copy per reaction was achieved. Positive results were only obtained for N gonorrhoeae ..