Streptococcus and STI Unit

Lab: (204) 789-6015 Office: (204) 789-6063

The Streptococcus Unit provides surveillance, reference diagnostic services, and research on Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes. Data generated is used for streptococcal vaccine development and evaluation. In addition, this laboratory supports provincial public health laboratories in the characterization of streptococcal isolates for outbreak support. The Streptococcus Unit participates in international and national surveillance programs such as the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program (CAN-WARD), the Immunization Monitoring Program Active (IPMACT) and International Circumpolar Surveillance (ICS). The STI Unit provides surveillance, reference diagnostic services, and research on Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma spp and Ureaplasma spp. The N. gonorrhoeae work focuses on monitoring trends in antimicrobial susceptibilities in order to assist in Canadian STI treatment guidelines. Research activities include the molecular characterization of isolates. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of STIs reported in Canada as well as the emergence of ciprofloxacin-resistant gonococcal strains. Monitoring antimicrobial susceptibilities of 3rd generation cephalosporins, the recommended treatment for gonococcal infection, has become very important.