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Syphillis - genotyping

Alternative Names/Synonyms	Molecular detection and genotyping of azithromycin resistant Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum (Syphillis)
Laboratory	Microbiology
Sub-section	Virology
Specimen Type	○ 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

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

○ 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

Collection Requirements

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.

Sample Stability

Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery

Referral Laboratory

PHOL

Routine Turnaround Time

○ 20 days

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4432

Approval Required

YES

Sample Processing / Delivery

○ 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.