Related Experiment Videos
Penicillinase producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Zurich, Switzerland
Abstract:
Of 1031 consecutive isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae examined before 31 July 1982, 30 strains showed beta-lactamase activity. All the penicillinase producing N gonorrhoeae (PPNG) strains were imported, 23 of them from South East Asia. One PPNG strain was identified as coming from Antigua and one from Chile, the first PPNG strains to be reported from these two countries. In 28 strains, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of penicillin was greater than or equal to 4.0 mg/l, and 15 strains were insensitive to tetracycline (MIC greater than or equal to 2.0 mg/l). Four strains were less sensitive to spectinomycin (MIC = 30 mg/l), while the remaining 26 were highly sensitive to this antibiotic. The African plasmid was found in only one strain (that originating from Antigua), and all other PPNG strains contained the Asian plasmid. Twenty PPNG strains contained the resistance plasmid together with the transfer plasmid. Auxotype determination showed that 18 PPNG strains were prototrophic whereas 11 were proline requiring.
Insights
Thirty Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains exhibited beta-lactamase activity, with most penicillinase-producing strains imported from Southeast Asia. Resistance to penicillin and tetracycline was observed, with most strains carrying the Asian plasmid.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a significant cause of sexually transmitted infections.
- The emergence of antimicrobial resistance in N. gonorrhoeae poses a global health threat.
- Beta-lactamase activity in N. gonorrhoeae is a key mechanism of penicillin resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize beta-lactamase producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae (PPNG) strains identified in a specific time frame.
- To determine the geographical origin and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of these PPNG strains.
- To investigate the plasmid content and auxotype characteristics of PPNG isolates.
Main Methods:
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing including Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) determination for penicillin, tetracycline, and spectinomycin.
- Plasmid analysis to identify the presence of African and Asian beta-lactamase plasmids.
- Auxotype determination to classify strains based on nutritional requirements.
Main Results:
- Out of 1031 N. gonorrhoeae isolates, 30 (2.9%) showed beta-lactamase activity.
- All PPNG strains were imported, with 23 originating from Southeast Asia.
- Resistance to penicillin (MIC ≥ 4.0 mg/l) was noted in 28 strains, and 15 strains were insensitive to tetracycline (MIC ≥ 2.0 mg/l).
- The Asian plasmid was prevalent in 29 strains, while the African plasmid was found in only one.
- Eighteen PPNG strains were prototrophic, and 11 required proline.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the prevalence of imported PPNG strains in the examined population.
- Antimicrobial resistance patterns, particularly to penicillin and tetracycline, are significant among these strains.
- The dominance of the Asian plasmid suggests its widespread dissemination in PPNG strains.