Identification of Emerging Multidrug-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates against Five Major Antimicrobial Agent
Sinethemba Hopewell Yakobi1, Ofentse Jacob Pooe1
1School of Life Sciences, Biochemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 3629, South Africa.
Abstract:
Antimicrobial drug resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae has been documented all over the world. However, the situation in Sub-Saharan Africa has received little attention. It is critical to establish diagnostics and extend surveillance in order to prevent the emergence of illnesses that are resistant to several treatments. Monitoring antimicrobial susceptibility is critically required in order to gather data that may be utilised to produce treatment recommendations that will result in effective therapy, a decrease in gonorrhoeae-related difficulties and transmission, and effective therapy. Government authorities may set research and preventive objectives, as well as treatment recommendations, using data from the Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Program (GISP). Local and state health authorities may use GISP data to make choices about the allocation of STI prevention services and resources, to guide preventative planning, and to disseminate information about the most successful treatment practices. Using molecular and culture approaches, we investigated the occurrence of antibiotic resistance in isolates from KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. The great majority of gonococcal isolates (48% showed absolute resistance to ciprofloxacin), with penicillin and tetracycline resistance rates of 14% each. Only one of the gonococcal isolates tested positive for azithromycin resistance, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.5 µg/mL. Ceftriaxone was effective against all gonococcal isolates tested.
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a global concern, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study found high resistance to ciprofloxacin and moderate resistance to penicillin and tetracycline in South Africa, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Antimicrobial drug resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a growing global health threat.
- Limited data exists on gonococcal antimicrobial resistance patterns in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Effective surveillance and diagnostics are crucial for managing multidrug-resistant infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
- To inform treatment guidelines and public health strategies for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the region.
Main Methods:
- Utilized molecular and culture-based approaches to analyze gonococcal isolates.
- Determined antimicrobial susceptibility profiles for key antibiotics.
Main Results:
- High rates of resistance observed: 48% to ciprofloxacin, 14% to penicillin, and 14% to tetracycline.
- Low azithromycin resistance detected (one isolate with MIC of 1.5 µg/mL).
- Ceftriaxone remained effective against all tested gonococcal isolates.
Conclusions:
- Significant levels of antibiotic resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae necessitate urgent monitoring in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Ceftriaxone is currently a reliable treatment option, but ongoing surveillance is vital.
- Findings support the need for updated treatment recommendations and enhanced STI prevention programs.
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