34. Specific terms of reference for the NRC for sexually transmitted infections:
Treponema pallidum, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae,
Mycoplasma genitalium
AIMS:
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Each National Reference Centre (NRC) must meet both the general and the specific terms
of reference.
In the specific terms of reference, the NRC tasks dedicated to each selected pathogen or
group of pathogens are described.
It aims to guarantee the knowledge, the know-how and the epidemiological surveillance
expertise of each NRC.
The tasks list is not exhaustive and can be modified in function of the requirements and
the evolution of knowledge and techniques.
In the event a NRC is unable to perform a specific task, this can be subcontracted to
preserve the knowledge in the NRC. If this is the case, quality of the subcontracted task
has to be proven and assured.
Each list of specific terms of reference is divided into three parts: 1) a reminder of the
specific missions, 2) a description of the tasks that the NRC must be able to do including
the competencies and 3) a list of the tasks that will be asked in a particular context.
The type of analysis indicated for each specific pathogen in each particular situation
(diagnosis or confirmation, typing, sensitivity to antimicrobial substances, virulence…) is
defined.
The collaboration with existing surveillance systems (e.g. ECDC) and with other reference
centres (food safety reference centres, veterinary reference centres) are also a priority.
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34. Specific terms of reference for the NRC for sexually transmitted infections:
Treponema pallidum, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae,
Mycoplasma genitalium
Specific missions:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
To provide diagnostic support to routine laboratories.
To type the isolated strains of Chlamydia trachomatis.
To monitor the antibiotic susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
To participate in national surveillance.
To actively collaborate with existing networks.
To transfer microbiological data (through e-health reporting) and scientifically report
the analysed data for public health concerns.
1. Treponema pallidum
The NRC must be able to (level of competences):
1)
2)
3)
4)
To detect specific antibodies.
To identify T. pallidum microscopically (dark field, immunofluorescence).
To detect the pathogen using PCR.
To have access to whole genome sequencing
Tasks that will be asked in a particular context:
1)
2)
3)
To provide diagnostic support to routine laboratories in case of unclear serology
results.
To participate to the investigation of clusters.
Enlarge the action radius To improve the surveillance representativeness by enlarging
the action radius (geographical coverage).
2. Chlamydia trachomatis
The NRC must be able to (level of competences):
1)
2)
3)
To confirm the diagnosis by culture, serological and molecular methods.
To type strains.
To have access to whole genome sequencing
Tasks that will be asked in a particular context:
1)
To confirm the diagnosis.
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2)
3)
4)
To monitor the antibiotic susceptibility on all isolated strains of antibiotics relevant to
curative and preventive care.
To type strains isolated in suspected Lymphogranuloma Venereum.
Enlarge the action radius To improve the surveillance representativeness by enlarging
the action radius (geographical coverage).
3. Neisseria gonorrhoeae
The NRC must be able to (level of competences):
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
To confirm the diagnosis by classical and molecular techniques.
To determine the antibiotic susceptibility.
To determine the resistance mechanism.
To monitor the antibiotic susceptibility of circulating strains.
To have access to whole genome sequencing
Tasks that will be asked in a particular context:
1)
2)
3)
To confirm the diagnosis if relevant.
To determine the susceptibility to antibiotics relevant to curative and preventive care
on a representative subset of strains.
Enlarge the action radius To improve the surveillance representativeness by enlarging
the action radius (geographical coverage).
4. Mycoplasma genitalum
The NRC must be able to (level of competences):
1) To confirm the diagnosis by classical and molecular techniques.
2) To have access to whole genome sequencing
Tasks that will be asked in a particular context:
1) To confirm the diagnosis if relevant.
2) To determine the susceptibility to antibiotics relevant to curative and preventive care on
a representative subset of strains.
3) Enlarge the action radius To improve the surveillance representativeness by enlarging
the action radius (geographical coverage).
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