A novel commensal <i>Neisseria</i> species harboring the gonococcal diagnostic marker DR-9 causes false-positive Roche cobas NAAT results.

ABSTRACT: Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng), the etiologic agent of gonorrhea, is the second most reported bacterial sexually transmitted infection globally. In the USA, nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are considered the gold standard for diagnosis. Although NAATs are sensitive and offer high throughput, cross-reactivity with commensal Neisseria can compromise specificity. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of a novel commensal Neisseria sp. from the oropharynx of a patient with suspected gonococcal treatment failure. An initial diagnosis was made using the Roche cobas CT/NG test on the cobas 8800 system, which repeatedly yielded positive results post-treatment. A confirmatory Aptima Combo 2 (AC2, Hologic) test was negative, and multiple culture attempts

SUBMITTER: Ayala JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12710327 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature