Recorded presentation

Carla Merritt, MPH¹, Kathryn E Macomber, MPH¹, and Martha Boehme, MT (ASCP)². (1) Bureau of Epidemiology, Michigan Department of Community Health, Oakland County Health Department, 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341, 248-858-0732, merrittc@michigan.gov, (2) Bureau of Laboratories, Michigan Department of Community Health, 3350 N. MLK Blvd., Building 44, Lansing, MI 48906

Quinolone-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhea (QRNG) is a growing concern and detection is diminishing due to increasing use of nucleic acid tests. In July 2002, the Michigan Department of Community Health, Bureau of Epidemiology and Bureau of Laboratories partnered with clinical labs and STD clinics around the state to develop a surveillance system for QRNG. The state laboratory partnered with laboratories using culture techniques to detect gonorrhea and requested submission of these samples for susceptibility testing. A follow-up questionnaire was developed by epidemiologists to send to the provider for behavioral, demographics, and treatment information. In 2002, 187 isolates for Neisseria gonorrhea were submitted to the MDCH labs for susceptibility testing and in 2003, 582 isolates were submitted. Epidemiological follow-up was conducted via fax to the providers with a 75% return rate. Laboratory testing detected 15 cases of QRNG. Only four cases reported travel to areas with endemic QRNG. QRNG accounts for a higher percentage of gonorrhea cases among patients who are male, age 30 years or older, and men who have sex with men. In addition, a cluster of locally acquired QRNG lead to treatment recommendation changes in a 6-county area in Michigan, a general advisory in one county, and general testing changes for the whole state.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner)in this session will be able to describe the steps to detect Quinolone-resistant Neisseria gonorrhea by developing a surveillance system with partners including state epidemiologists and laboratorians, clinical laboratories, and private providers.

Keywords: STD, Public/Private Partnerships

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation