STI Study Laboratory

Heads of STI Study Laboratory: Dr. Kathleen Klaper and Dr. Dagmar Heuer

Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae) is a gram-negative bacterium and the causative agent of gonorrhea. According to the WHO, N. gonorrhoea is the third most common sexually transmitted bacteria worldwide, primarliy transmitted through direct contact with mucous membranes. Approximately half of all N. gonorrhoeae infections are asymptomatic. In symptomatic cases, infections typically occur in the urogenital tract, but can also be localized in the anorectal, pharyngeal or conjunctival areas. Without timely treatment, N. gonorrhoea can disseminate with serious complications such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain and premature births. According to § 7 para. 3 IfSG, all detections of N. gonorrhoeae must be reported.

N. gonorrhoeae is a very adaptable bacterium and has the ability to quickly adjust to changing environmental conditions, which favours the development of antibiotic resistance. This makes the treatment of gonorrhoea increasingly difficult and emphasises the need to monitor antibiotic resistance.

Tasks

The main task of the STI study laboratory is the epidemiological detection of N. gonorrhoeae and gonococcal resistance surveillance (Go-Surv-AMR). For this purpose, methods for the determination of phenotypic antibiotic susceptibilities and the detection of the corresponding resistance genes using whole genome data have been established.

Selected laboratories from all over Germany participating in Go-Surv-AMR regularly send gonococcal isolates together with the corresponding pseudonymized epidemiological and clinical data to the RKI. E-tests are used as conventional methods of susceptibility testing for centralized post-testing of antibiotic susceptibility. In addition, the DNA of the samples sent in is extracted and characterized using molecular methods such as whole genome sequencing in order to identify resistance determinants and compare genogroups across Germany, but also within Europe and worldwide. These data and analyses help to identify molecular genetic differences between resistant and non-resistant gonococcal strains and to optimize therapy recommendations on this basis.

Since 1 March 2020, the gonococcal consultation laboratory, headed by Dr Susanne Buder, has been part of the unit and is available to the public health service and general practitioners for diagnostic and therapeutic questions.

More detailed results can be found in the project reports and scientific publications (see list of publications).

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