Syphillis - genotyping

Molecular detection and genotyping of azithromycin resistant Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum (Syphillis)
Microbiology
Virology
○ CSF ○ Lesion/genital ulcer ○ Fresh tissue ○ Whole blood
Other Information
○ Specimens positive by PCR are genotyped to identify azithromycin resistance in cases of suspected treatment failure
○ CSF: sterile container
○ Lesion/ulcer swab: Dacron swab in Universal Transport Medium
○ Whole blood: EDTA-blood tube (lavender top)
○ Fresh tissue: sterile container with a small amount of saline

CSF:
○ Decontaminate skin, perform lumbar puncture to collect at least 0.5 mL of CSF in sterile container

Lesion/genital ulcer swab
○ Cleanse the genital area by flushing with sterile physiological saline. Swab the base of the genital ulcer using a Dacron or cotton swab

Whole blood:
○ Decontaminate skin with 70% alcohol followed by iodine or chlorhexidine, collect at least 5 mL of blood

Tissue:
○ Collect at least 1 gram of tissue aseptically using surgical technique. Place in a clean, sterile container with a small amount of sterile saline.

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery
PHOL
○ 20 days
416-586-4800 extension 4631
YES
○ Label specimen container. Place specimens in biohazard bag and seal.

○ Specimens should be transported to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory at refrigeration temperature (2-8˚C) ASAP after collection

○ The specimen will be referred to the National Microbiology Laboratory for testing.