Preservation and storage of pathogenic Neisseria

Pathogenic species of Neisseria, especially N. gonorrhoeae are notoriously difficult to maintain in a viable state for long storage periods. Frequent transfer of cultures on artificial media and storage at 4 to 8 C quickly leads to loss of viability and virulence and to changes in antigenicity. Freeze-drying has been reported as a convenient method for long-term storage of these organisms; however, many laboratories are not properly equipped to use this method. A simple, inexpensive, and efficient procedure is described for storage of N. gonorrhoeae or N. meningitidis for 12 and 18 months, respectively. Results of this work may provide the basis for an efficient method of transporting these organisms over long distances via mail.