EFFECT OF DELAYING INCUBATION IN A CO-2-ENRICHED ENVIRONMENT ON GONOCOCCI

Abstract

N. gonorrhoeae were isolated from 1019 (39.8%) of 2558 male patients examined in a venereal disease clinic. Three specimens per patient were plated on Thayer-Martin medium. One plate was placed in a CO2-enriched environment and incubated immediately. The other 2 were held at room temperature in a standard atmosphere for 1-4 h before similar processing. A statistically significant loss of N. gonorrhoeae was found when placement in a candle jar and incubation were delayed .gtoreq. 2. The appearance of colonies was delayed and colonial size and number were significantly reduced in specimens held .gtoreq. 2 h before incubation in a candle jar.