Molecular Detection and Genotyping of Azithromycin Resistance

Molecular detection and genotyping of azithromycin resistant Treponema pallidum using conventional PCR and DNA sequencing.

Molecular Detection and Genotyping

Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum

Syphilis Diagnostics and Vaccine Preventable Bacterial Diseases

• Syphilis

Swab, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), whole blood or fresh tissue.  Minimum of 0.5 mL of CSF, minimum of 0.5 mL of whole blood, 1-5 g of tissue. For other specimen types, please call or email prior to shipping.

Specimens may be subject to rejection if they are not the appropriate sample type, have insufficient volume, or are not accompanied by relevant patient information.

Use appropriate swab, such as Rayon or Dacron swabs to obtain specimens from ulcers.

Swabs can be shipped dry or in appropriate transport medium, such as viral transport medium.  Store samples refrigerated or frozen until shipped for testing.  Ship frozen samples on dry ice, and refrigerated samples on wet ice.

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

Suspected of syphilis infection.

Completed Syphilis requisition form including sender lab name, address and telephone number. Patient identifier (specimen reference #), date of birth and sex. Date collected and test requested.

Specimens that are positive by molecular detection using conventional PCR are genotyped to determine if they are resistant to azithromycin.

For research purposes only.

20 calendar days.

Pathogen Safety Data Sheets: Infectious Substances – Treponema pallidum

Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network national syphilis laboratory testing recommendations: INTRODUCTION

Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network laboratory guidelines for the use of serological tests (excluding point-of-care tests) for the diagnosis of syphilis in Canada

Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network laboratory guidelines for the use of direct tests to detect syphilis in Canada

Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network laboratory guidelines for the diagnosis of neurosyphilis in Canada

Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network laboratory guidelines for congenital syphilis and syphilis screening in pregnant women in Canada

Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network laboratory guidelines for the use of point-of-care tests for the diagnosis of syphilis in Canada

Canadian Guidelines on Sexually Transmitted Infections

National Case Definition : Syphilis

Syphilis