Abstract: A nucleotide sequence characteristic of Neisseria gonorrhoeae is disclosed. The sequence can be the basis for hybridization type, nucleic acid-based, rapid, in vitro diagnostic assays. The unique nature of the sequence makes it possible to clearly discriminate N. gonorrhoeae from other Neisseria species thus eliminating or substantially reducing the number of false positive readings. A 350 base pair N. gonorrhoeae DNA restriction fragment was cloned after subtractive hybridization to Neisseria meningitidis DNA. In further cloning experiments the sequences adjacent to the original 350 base pair fragment were determined. A portion of this sequence was shown to detect 105 of 106 N. gonorrhoeae strains and no other Neisseria species. In addition to use as detection probes, all or portions of the nucleotide sequence can be used as a ligand for the sandwich capture of N. gonorrhoeae sequences and as primers for in vitro amplification of N. gonorrhoeae sequences.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions of oligonucleotide probes for use in the detection of bacteria associated with medical disorders of the human mouth, wherein said probes consist essentially of a segment of nucleic acid capable of selectively hybridizing under hybridizing conditions, to the 16S or 23S ribosomal RNA [rRNA] of said bacteria. Methods for detection, as well as diagnostic kits for the assay of these bacterium, are also disclosed.