Irene Martin
Provides laboratory reference and surveillance
Current research and/or projects
As Head of the Streptococcus and STI Unit, Irene provides laboratory reference and surveillance services including bacteriological and molecular characterizations for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus agalactiae.
Research and development includes: a Streptococcus and Gonococcus genomics program; development of novel molecular diagnostic assays to detect antimicrobial resistance in clinical specimens; characterizing antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and monitoring emerging resistances.
Professional activities / interests
Member of Expert Working Group for the Canadian Guidelines on Sexually Transmitted Infections; Public Health Agency of Canada
Member of Expert Working Group Invasive Group A Streptococcus; Public Health Agency of Canada
General Secretary - Canadian International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections
Executive Committee Member - World International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections
Additional links
Key publications
W Demczuk, I Martin, P Sawatzky, V Allen, B Lefebvre, L Hoang, P Naidu, J Minion, P VanCaeseele, D Haldane and M Mulvey. Equations to predict antimicrobial minimum inhibitory concentrations in Neisseria gonorrhoeae using molecular antimicrobial resistance determinants. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020;64:e02005-19.
https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.02005-19
Y Yang, Y Yang, I Martin ,Y Dong, C Yang, N Diao, J Shi, Y Wang, W Demczuk and W Gu. NG-STAR genotypes are associated with multiple drug resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates in 2017 in Shanghai. J Antimicrob Chemother 2020;75:566-570.
https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/dkz471
W Demczuk, I Martin, FR Domingo, D MacDonald, MR Mulvey. Identification of Streptococcus pyogenes M1UK clone in Canada. Lancet Infect Dis 2019;19:1284-1285.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(19)30622-X
B Berenger, W Demczuk, J Gratrix, K Pabbaraju, P Smyczek, I Martin. Genetic characterization of an international ceftriaxone-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae strain causing treatment failure and enhanced culture-independent surveillance in Alberta, Canada, 2018. Emerg Inf Dis 2019;25:1660-1667.
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2509.190407
M Unemo, M Lahra, M Cole, P Galarza, F Ndowa, I Martin, J Dillon, P Ramon-Pardo, G Bolan, T Wi. The WHO Global Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (67 surveyed countries in 2015-2016) – an observational study emphasizing essential global actions. Sexual Health 2019 Aug 23.
https://doi.org/10.1071/SH19023
M Chernesky, D Jang, I Martin, M Arias, A Shah, M Smieja, S Ratnam, D Getman, J Schachter. Mycoplasma genitalium, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Detected With Aptima Assays Performed on Self-Obtained Vaginal Swabs and Urine Collected at Home and in a Clinic. Sexually Trans Dis 2019;46(9):e87–e89.
https://doi.org/10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001004
M Bodie, M Gale-Rowe, S Alexandre, U Auguste, K Tomas, I Martin. Preserving options for first-line treatment for drug-resistant gonorrhea: There is no time like the present. Can Commun Dis Rep 2019;45(2/3):54-62.
https://doi.org/10.14745/ccdr.v45i23a02
I Martin, P Sawatzky, V Allen, et al. Multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Canada, 2012–2016. Can Commun Dis Rep 2019;45(2/3):45-53.
https://doi.org/10.14745/ccdr.v45i23a01
E Schleihauf, E Leonard, C Phillips, T Hatchette, D Haldane, T Arnason, I Martin, N Whelan. Increase in Gonorrhea Incidence Associated With Enhanced Partner Notification Strategy. Sex Transm Dis 2019;46:706-712.
https://doi.org/10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001060
B Lefebvre, I Martin, W Demczuk, L Deshaies, S Michaud, A-C Labbé, M-C Beaudoin, J Longtin. Ceftriaxone-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated, Canada. Emer Inf Dis 2018;24:381-383.