Near-infrared spectroscopy as a feasible method for the differentiation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from Neisseria commensals and antimicrobial resistant from susceptible gonococcal strains.

Rapid and cost-effective diagnosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) are important measures for the control and management of gonococcal infection. Current diagnostic tools such as nucleic acid amplification tests and bacterial culture are not feasible in many resource-poor settings, and so syndromic patient management is commonplace. Alternative cost-effective diagnostic tools are therefore needed. Here, we sought to explore the utility and feasibility of Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to (1) identify and differentiate NG from Neisseria commensals and (2) to differentiate fully susceptible NG from resistant NG. NIRS correctly classified NG from Neisseria commensals (R2= 0.89; SECV 0.164) and to a lesser capacity, susceptible NG from resistant (R2 = 0.60; SECV 0.32). To the best our knowledge, this is the first proof of concept study in the field. Further evaluations are now warranted to enhance capacity and accuracy of this diagnostic approach.