Common Patterns and Unique Threats in Antimicrobial Resistance as Demonstrated by Global Gonococcal Surveillance
Abstract
The rapid emergence of antimicrobial-resistant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae threatens treatment options and control efforts. The Uniformed Services University Gonococcal Reference Laboratory and Repository of the Global Emerging Infections Surveillance Program receives isolates from several geographically distinct regions worldwide. We analyzed 962 isolates collected during 2014–2022 for genomic and phenotypic antimicrobial resistance. Resistance to antimicrobial drugs previously used for gonococcal infections was high, but of most concern were increases of resistance to currently used antibiotic drugs, such as extended-spectrum cephalosporins and the alternative antibiotic treatment gentamicin. The percentage of isolates with reduced susceptibility to ceftriaxone was 3.6%, to cefixime was 2.5%, and to gentamicin was 15.0%. Although isolates were collected from populations of limited diversity, 706 (73.4%) of isolates demonstrated novel multiantigen sequence types, and 225 (23.4%) had novel multilocus sequence types. Continued surveillance of N. gonorrhoeae is essential to monitoring the prevalence and spread of resistant organisms worldwide.
Date
01-10-2024Author
Adriana Le Van
Nazia Rahman
Reuel Sandy
Nelson Dozier
Hunter J. Smith
Melissa J. Martin
Katelyn V. Bartlett
Krit Harncharoenkul
Anna Nanava
Tamar Akhvlediani
Paul Rios
Supriya D. Mehta
Walter Agingu
Denis K. Byarugaba
Fred Wabwire-Mangen
Hannah Kibuuka
Bernard Erima
Hope O. Kabatasi
Naiki Attram
Dutsadee Peerapongpaisarn
Wilawan Oransathit
Wirote Oransathit
Umaporn Suksawad
Woradee Lurchachaiwong
Somchai Sriplienchan
Nonlawat Boonyalai
Maneerat Somsri
Nithinart Chaitaveep
Ann Jerse
Eric Garges
