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Fourteen Draft Genome Sequences for the First Reported Cases of Azithromycin-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae in

Micheál Mac Aogáin1, Nicholas Fennelly2, Anne Walsh2

  • 1Department of Clinical Microbiology, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland m.macaogain@tcd.ie.

Genome Announcements
|June 10, 2017
PubMed

Insights

This study details the first azithromycin-resistant *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* strains found in Ireland. It includes highly resistant strains, indicating a growing public health concern.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genomics
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* is a significant cause of sexually transmitted infections globally.
  • Antimicrobial resistance in *N. gonorrhoeae* poses a serious threat to public health.
  • Azithromycin resistance is a growing concern, necessitating continuous surveillance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the draft genome assemblies of azithromycin-resistant *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* clinical isolates from Ireland.
  • To characterize the genetic features of these resistant strains, including the identification of highly resistant isolates.
  • To establish a baseline for future genomic surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in Ireland.

Main Methods:

  • Whole-genome sequencing of 14 *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* clinical isolates.
  • Bioinformatic analysis to assemble draft genomes.
  • Antimicrobial susceptibility testing to determine Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs).

Main Results:

  • Successfully generated draft genome assemblies for 14 azithromycin-resistant *N. gonorrhoeae* isolates.
  • Identified the first highly azithromycin-resistant strains in Ireland (MIC >256 mg/liter).
  • Determined that these highly resistant strains belong to the ST1580 sequence type.

Conclusions:

  • The emergence of azithromycin-resistant *N. gonorrhoeae*, including highly resistant strains, is confirmed in Ireland.
  • Genomic data provides crucial insights into the evolution and spread of antimicrobial resistance.
  • Ongoing surveillance and characterization of resistant strains are essential for effective public health strategies.

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