The effect of delaying incubation in a C02-enriched environment on gonococci

Neisseria gonorrhoeae were isolated from 1,019 (39.8%) of 2,558 male patients examined in a venereal disease clinic. Three specimens per patient were plated on Thayer-Martin medium. One plate was placed in a C02 -enriched environment and incubated immediately. The other two were held at room temperature in a standard atmosphere for 1-4 hours before similar processing. A statistically significant loss of N. gonorrhoeae was found when placement in a candle jar and incubation was delayed 2 or more hours. Morever, the appearance of colonies was delayed and colonial size and number were significantly reduced in specimens held 2 hours or longer before incubation in a candle jar.