This page gives information on the microbiology components from the previous phase of the ESSTI network (2001-2004).
Return to Microbiology 2006-2008.
The microbiology section of the ESSTI network aimed to make a rapid
but comprehensive assessment of reference and specialist centres
for gonorrhoea across Europe. It also investigated diagnostic methods
in use for gonorrhoea, syphilis and chlamydia in laboratories in
Europe, and the quality of antimicrobial susceptibility testing
for N. gonorrhoeae.
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| Objectives |
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The objectives of the microbiology section of the ESSTI
network (2001-2004) were to:
- Develop and pilot a methodology for enhanced EU-wide
laboratory surveillance for N. gonorrhoeae infection,
including antimicrobial resistance detection and monitoring
- Pilot methodology for prospective collection of EU surveillance
data
- Facilitate transfer of ideas and approaches to future
microbiology surveillance.
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| STI laboratory diagnostic
practice survey |
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The general STI laboratory questionnaire investigated the
diagnostic methodologies currently used for gonorrhoea, chlamydia
and syphilis. It was circulated to 15 countries. It surveyed
the location of diagnostic testing for gonorrhoea; the site
or specimen for testing for gonorrhoea and chlamydia in men
and women; susceptibility testing methods for gonorrhoea;
syphilis testing methods; and results reporting policy. |
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Download
questionnaire PDF – 224 KB |
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| Gonorrhoea reference laboratory
survey |
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| The gonorrhoea reference laboratories survey identified the
national gonorrhoea diagnostic reference centres in the EU.
A network of laboratories involved in susceptibility testing
for gonorrhoea was also identified and surveyed. The survey
was carried out by questionnaire. |
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Download
questionnaire PDF – 273 KB |
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The questionnaire surveyed the type of specimens tested;
the GC medium; which identification tests were used; which
susceptibility methods were used; which antibiotics were tested;
laboratory participation in quality assurance or surveillance
programmes; and their method and frequency of reporting to
a surveillance centre.
Results from this survey were presented at the 8th World
STD/AIDS Congress (40th IUSTI World General Assembly) in Uruguay
in December 2003. |
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| N. gonorrhoeae
isolate panel exchange |
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A panel of 30 isolates (10 in triplicate) were exchanged
by 14 laboratories and susceptibility testing was carried
out using each laboratory’s routine methodology. The
tested strains had a range of susceptibilities. They were
tested with a minimum of penicillin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline
and a cephalosporin. MIC or zone size results were reported
and susceptibility category.
Initial results were presented at the 8th World STD/AIDS
Congress (40th IUSTI World General Assembly) in Uruguay in
December 2003, and at the BASHH/ASTDA Spring Meeting in the
UK in May 2004. |
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| Future plans |
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Further analysis will examine the effect of the different
methods on concordance of results, with the aim of clarifying
best practice. In future there are also plans to start an
annual quality assurance process, establish a panel of strains
and to implement a European Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance
Programme (EuroGASP) network. Peer reviewed publication of
the results is also in progress. |
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| See also our publications |
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| Get microbiology links |
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