Evaluation of the Roche Neisseria gonorrhoeae 16S rRNA PCR for confirmation of AMPLICOR PCR-positive samples and comparison of its diagnostic performance according to storage conditions and preparation of endocervical specimens

The AMPLICOR PCR was used to defect Neisseria gonorrhoeae in endocervical specimens. A 16S rRNA PCR performed on N. gonorrhoeae-positive samples showed sensitivities of 73.2, 64.3, and 94.4% for samples treated directly with AMPLICOR lysis buffer, samples suspended in 2-sucrose phosphate, and samples suspended in diluted phosphate-buffered saline, respectively.