Diagnostic aspects of gonorrhoea

In 1971 an investigation into the epidemiological, clinical, bacteriological and therapeutic aspects of gonorrhoea was started in collaboration with the Bacteriological Laboratory of the University Hospital/Medical Faculty Rotterdam. Jn the framework of this investigation, the data were recorded on optically readable forms. These forms could be processed to punched cards and fed to a computer for storage and processing, and could also be used as such for filing purposes. Jn order to make efficient use of these forms, it now became necessary to standardize the questioning technique used for collection of the epidemiological data, and the methods of clinical examination, bacteriological investigation and treatment. This thesis deals with a part of the data covered by the abovementioned investigation - mainly those parts relating to the diagnostic aspects of gonorrhoea. However, in order to place these aspects in the total framework of the investigation and in order to allow better comprehension of further publications resulting from this thesis, a full description is given of the methods of examination, treatment and follow-up (Chapter I ) , the methods of bacteriological investigation (Chapter II) and the registration and processing of the data (Chapter III). The epidemiological data on the gonorrhoea patients covered by this investigation are also summarized (Chapter IV).