Rapid identification of penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae by detection of beta-lactamase in urethral exudates.

Abstract

The production of fluorescent end-products with ampicillin as substrate can be used to detect beta-lactamase activity in biological fluids. A fluorescent spot test was evaluated as a rapid method of detecting beta-lactamase in the urethral exudates of men infected with Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Thailand. Among 208 men with culture-proven gonococcal urethritis, the fluorescent spot test was positive in 92 of 101 men from whom penicillinase-producing N gonorrhoeae (PPNG) were isolated and in 4 of 107 men from whom non-PPNG were isolated. The fluorescent spot test is a rapid, inexpensive, and sensitive method to detect PPNG and may be valuable in determining appropriate treatment for patients with gonococcal urethritis.

• Authors: D N Taylor, K C Chen, K Panikabutra, C Wongba, A Chitwarakern, P Echeverria, K K Holmes
• Journal: Lancet (London, England) (Lancet) Vol. 2 Issue 8456 Pg. 625-6 (Sep 21 1985) ISSN: 0140-6736 [Print] England
• PMID: 2863630 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Penicillinase
• beta-Lactamases

Topics

• Exudates and Transudates (microbiology)
• Fluorescence
• Gonorrhea (microbiology)
• Humans
• Male
• Methods
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae (enzymology, isolation & purification)
• Penicillinase (biosynthesis)
• Urethra (microbiology)
• beta-Lactamases (analysis)