Australian Gonococcal Surveillance Program, 1 January to 31 March 2025

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The National Neisseria Network (NNN) has monitored antimicrobial susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Australia since 1981.
• The Australian Gonococcal Surveillance Programme (AGSP) reports on key antibiotics including ceftriaxone, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, penicillin, gentamicin, and tetracycline.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Neisseria gonorrhoeae across Australian jurisdictions.
• To inform treatment recommendations for gonorrhoea based on evolving resistance patterns.

Main Methods:

• Surveillance data collection from state and territory reference laboratories.
• Analysis of antimicrobial susceptibility profiles for Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates.
• Reporting on key antibiotics used in gonorrhoea treatment.

Main Results:

• Historically, geographic variations in antimicrobial resistance existed, with some remote regions showing lower rates.
• Increasing reports of penicillin-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae emerged in the Northern Territory since January 2023.
• Treatment recommendations have been updated to align with national guidelines.

Conclusions:

• Antimicrobial resistance patterns in Neisseria gonorrhoeae necessitate ongoing surveillance.
• Changes in resistance, particularly penicillin resistance in the Northern Territory, have led to updated gonorrhoea treatment strategies in Australia.