Resistance Of Neisseria Gonorrhoeae Molecular Epidemiology Study

To measure the frequency and nature of antimicrobial resistance inNeisseria gonorrhoeae isolates and to assess the effectiveness of current antibiotic therapy for treatment of gonorrhea and the relationship between antimicrobial susceptibility and auxotype. 390 strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated from STD clinic attenders in four cities between July 1994 and June 1995 were characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility and auxotype. All isolates were tested for β -lactamase by the iodometric method. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of five common antimicrobial agents were determined by agar dilution method.5 strains (1.28%) were penicillinase producers (PPNG). Chromosomal resistance to penicillin and tetracycline (MIC ≥ 1mg/l) was detected in 314 (80.51 %) and 372 (95.38%) strains, respectively. 44 (11.28%) exhibited resistance to ciprofloxacin (MIC≥1mg/l). 1 (0.26%) was resistant to spectinomycin (MIC≥64mg/l) and all isolates were sensitive to ceftriaxone. 40 (10.26%) were multiresistant strains, exhibiting resistance to penicillin, tetracycline and ciprofloxacin. 8 different auxotypes were present, two auxotypes predominated, the proline-requiring and proto strains. The proline-requiring strains were less sensitive to ciprofloxacin than the proto strains.A high proportion of gonococcal isolates remains resistant to penicillin and tetracycline, with the emergence of ciprofloxacin resistance strains. Continuned surveillance of sensitivity of gonococci to contemporary antimicrobial agents is important.