Diagnostics of Gonococcal Infection in Ukraine: Current Challenges in Resource-Constrained Settings

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the compliance of laboratory diagnostics of gonorrhoea in Ukraine with the World Health Organization (WHO) laboratory manual. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quantitative non-randomised cross-sectional descriptive postal survey was conducted to evaluate the diagnostics of gonorrhoea in sexually transmitted infections (STI) clinics in Ukraine. RESULTS: The survey provided data about diagnostics of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in STI clinics from 14 regions of Ukraine from January 2013 to September 2014. The clinics performed microscopy, culture, and point-of-care-testing in 100%, 85.7%, and 7.1% of the cases, respectively. None of the respondents had the option of performing nucleic acid amplification tests and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Two regions reported their participation in the collaborative project by WHO on antimicrobial resistance investigation, as national antimicrobial susceptibility surveillance program had not been established in Ukraine. A “three-site testing” (urogenital, pharyngeal, and rectal specimens) in symptomatic heterosexuals was conducted by 25%, “two-site testing” (urogenital and pharyngeal specimens) was conducted by 41.7%, and “one-site testing” (urogenital specimen) was conducted by 33.3% of the respondents. External quality control of laboratory tests for the detection of N. gonorrhoeae was not performed in 50% of the regions in Ukraine. Non-selective culture media for isolation of N. gonorrhoeae and culture media in tubes instead of the recommended Petri dishes were used in 16.7% and 58.3% of the laboratories, respectively. CONCLUSION: Increased adherence to evidence-based WHO and/or nationally adapted management guidelines is essential for monitoring gonorrhoea and preventing antimicrobial resistance of N. gonorrhoeae in Ukraine.