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Using the Overlay Assay to Qualitatively Measure Bacterial Production of and Sensitivity to Pneumococcal Bacteriocins
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Published on: September 30, 2014

Penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae: epidemiology, antimicrobial susceptibility and plasmid types

B T Goh, P Rodin, N A Johnston

    The Journal of Infection
    |July 1, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    Penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae (PPNG) infections rose in Whitechapel. Spectinomycin, cefuroxime, and kanamycin show effectiveness against these strains, unlike co-trimoxazole and tetracycline.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Public Health

    Background:

    • This study analyzes trends in penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae (PPNG) infections observed at the Whitechapel Clinic between 1976 and 1984.
    • PPNG represented a growing proportion of gonorrhoea cases by 1984.

    Observation:

    • A total of 204 PPNG infections were recorded during the study period.
    • In 1984, PPNG accounted for 4.7% of all gonorrhoea cases presenting at the clinic.
    • The majority of infections (68%) were acquired within the UK, with a smaller proportion (3%) being homosexually acquired.

    Findings:

    • Antibiotic sensitivity testing revealed full sensitivity to spectinomycin, cefuroxime, and kanamycin.
    • High resistance rates were observed for co-trimoxazole (61%) and tetracycline (69%).
    • Plasmid typing indicated that 66% of strains were of Asian origin, with a significant proportion carrying the 24.5 Mdal transfer plasmid.

    Implications:

    • Spectinomycin, cefuroxime, and kanamycin are recommended as effective treatments for PPNG infections.
    • Co-trimoxazole and tetracycline are not recommended due to widespread resistance.
    • The prevalence of specific PPNG strains, particularly those with transfer plasmids, highlights the need for ongoing surveillance and adapted treatment strategies.

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