Australian Gonococcal Surveillance Programme annual report, 2013.
1World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for STD, Sydney and, Neisseria Reference Laboratory, Microbiology Department, The Prince of Wales Hospital, New South Wales.
Communicable Diseases Intelligence Quarterly Report
|June 12, 2015
Summary
Antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a growing concern in Australia. In 2013, decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone and high rates of penicillin and quinolone resistance were observed nationally.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- The Australian Gonococcal Surveillance Programme has monitored antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae since 1981.
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a significant cause of sexually transmitted infections globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Neisseria gonorrhoeae clinical isolates in Australia for 2013.
- To identify trends and emerging resistance to key antibiotics used in gonorrhea treatment.
Main Methods:
- Standardised in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on 4,897 clinical isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
- Data were collected from public and private sector sources across all Australian states and territories.
Main Results:
- Decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone increased to 8.8% nationally in 2013, doubling from 2012.
- High rates of penicillin and quinolone resistance persisted across most jurisdictions.
- High-level azithromycin resistance was reported for the first time in Australia in four isolates.
- All isolates remained susceptible to spectinomycin nationally.
Conclusions:
- The 2013 antimicrobial resistance data for Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Australia are concerning.
- Emerging resistance to ceftriaxone and azithromycin requires urgent attention and enhanced surveillance.
- Continued monitoring is crucial to guide treatment strategies and combat antimicrobial resistance in gonorrhea.
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