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[Detection of African type penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Japan]
T Okazaki1, M Ohhashi, H Hitokoto
1Department of Urology, Tokyo Metropolitan Taito Hospital.
Abstract:
The Plasmid DNA patterns of 22 penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae (PPNG) strains isolated from male patients with gonococcal urethritis in 1988 at Tokyo Metropolitan Taito Hospital were determined. The 3.3 megadalton plasmid, the so called the African type plasmid, was present in 3 isolates out of 22 PPNGs, all of which occurred with a conjugative 24.5 megadalton plasmid. 4.4 megadalton plasmid was present in 19 isolates out of 22 PPNGs, 5 of which occurred with a conjugative 24.5 megadalton plasmid. The infective sources of the 3 cases of the African type PPNGs were found as 1 from philippines and 2 from prostitutes, so called Soap Land Girl in Japan. And they suggests that the African type PPNGs are already common in Japan.
Insights
Penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae (PPNG) strains in Japan commonly carry the 4.4 megadalton plasmid. The African type PPNG, associated with international travel, is also prevalent, indicating its establishment in Japan.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a significant cause of sexually transmitted infections.
- Penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae (PPNG) strains pose a treatment challenge due to antibiotic resistance.
- Understanding plasmid DNA patterns is crucial for tracking antimicrobial resistance dissemination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the plasmid DNA patterns of PPNG strains isolated in Tokyo.
- To investigate the prevalence of specific plasmids, including the African type plasmid.
- To assess the potential sources and spread of PPNG strains in Japan.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of 22 PPNG strains from male patients with gonococcal urethritis.
- Plasmid DNA profiling to identify and quantify plasmid sizes.
- Analysis of plasmid co-occurrence with conjugative plasmids.
Main Results:
- The 4.4 megadalton plasmid was found in 19 out of 22 PPNG isolates.
- The 3.3 megadalton (African type) plasmid was present in 3 isolates, always with a 24.5 megadalton conjugative plasmid.
- Infective sources for African type PPNG included international travel (Philippines) and commercial sex workers, suggesting established circulation in Japan.
Conclusions:
- The 4.4 megadalton plasmid is common among PPNG strains in Tokyo.
- African type PPNG strains are present and likely established in Japan.
- Surveillance of plasmid-borne resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is essential for public health.