scholarly journals Characteristics and Dissemination of Mosaic Penicillin-Binding Protein 2-Harboring Multidrug-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates with Reduced Cephalosporin Susceptibility in Northern Taiwan

2010 ◽  
Vol 54 (11) ◽  
pp. 4893-4895 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chung-Ter Huang ◽  
Muh-Yong Yen ◽  
Wing-Wai Wong ◽  
Lan-Hui Li ◽  
Kun-Yen Lin ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Among 254 Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from a sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic in northern Taiwan, 69 isolates were found to contain the mosaic penA (MA) gene and were associated with elevated cefixime and ceftriaxone MICs. Most of these MA gene-harboring isolates were also resistant to penicillin (71.4%) and ciprofloxacin (100%) and were from men who have sex with men (MSM) or from bisexual men (81.2%). Three major sequence types (ST835, ST2180, and ST2253) constituted 55.7% of these isolates. The major sequence types harboring the mosaic penA gene may represent major sexual networks responsible for the emergence/introduction and the spread of the multidrug-resistant clones in Taiwan.

2019 ◽  
Vol 147 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D. Guerrero-Torres ◽  
M. B. Menéndez ◽  
C. S. Guerras ◽  
E. Tello ◽  
J. Ballesteros ◽  
...  

Abstract With the aim to elucidate gonococcal antimicrobial resistance (AMR)–risk factors, we undertook a retrospective analysis of the molecular epidemiology and AMR of 104 Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from clinical samples (urethra, rectum, pharynx and cervix) of 94 individuals attending a sexually transmitted infection clinic in Madrid (Spain) from July to October 2016, and explored potential links with socio-demographic, behavioural and clinical factors of patients. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by E-tests, and isolates were characterised by N. gonorrhoeae multi-antigen sequence typing. Penicillin resistance was recorded for 15.4% of isolates, and most were susceptible to tetracycline, cefixime and azithromycin; a high incidence of ciprofloxacin resistance (~40%) was found. Isolates were grouped into 51 different sequence types (STs) and 10 genogroups (G), with G2400, ST5441, ST2318, ST12547 and G2992 being the most prevalent. A significant association (P = 0.015) was evident between HIV-positive MSM individuals and having a ciprofloxacin-resistant strain. Likewise, a strong association (P = 0.047) was found between patient age of MSM and carriage of isolates expressing decreased susceptibility to azithromycin. A decrease in the incidence of AMR gonococcal strains and a change in the strain populations previously reported from other parts of Spain were observed. Of note, the prevalent multi-drug resistant genogroup G1407 was represented by only three strains in our study, while the pan-susceptible clones such as ST5441, and ST2318, associated with extragenital body sites were the most prevalent.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (21) ◽  
Author(s):  
Freda E.-C. Jen ◽  
Ibrahim M. El-Deeb ◽  
John M. Atack ◽  
Mark von Itzstein ◽  
Michael P. Jennings

ABSTRACT Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea. High-coverage (∼3,300-fold) transcriptome sequencing data have been collected from multidrug-resistant N. gonorrhoeae strain WHO Z grown in the presence and absence of PBT2.


2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolien M Wind ◽  
Maarten F Schim van der Loeff ◽  
Alje P van Dam ◽  
Henry JC de Vries ◽  
Jannie J van der Helm

Resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to azithromycin and ceftriaxone has been increasing in the past years. This is of concern since the combination of these antimicrobials is recommended as the first-line treatment option in most guidelines. To analyse trends in antimicrobial resistance, we retrospectively selected all consultations with a positive N. gonorrhoeae culture at the sexually transmitted infection clinic, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from January 2012 through September 2015. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for azithromycin and ceftriaxone were analysed per year, and determinants associated with decreased susceptibility to azithromycin (MIC > 0.25 mg/L) or ceftriaxone (MIC > 0.032 mg/L) were assessed. Between 2012 and 2015 azithromycin resistance (MIC > 0.5 mg/L) was around 1.2%, the percentage of isolates with intermediate MICs (> 0.25 and ≤ 0.5 mg/L) increased from 3.7% in 2012, to 8.6% in 2015. Determinants associated with decreased azithromycin susceptibility were, for men who have sex with men (MSM), infections diagnosed in the year 2014, two infected sites, and HIV status (HIV; associated with less decreased susceptibility); for heterosexuals this was having ≥ 10 sex partners (in previous six months). Although no ceftriaxone resistance (MIC > 0.125 mg/L) was observed during the study period, the proportion of isolates with decreased ceftriaxone susceptibility increased from 3.6% in 2012, to 8.4% in 2015. Determinants associated with decreased ceftriaxone susceptibility were, for MSM, infections diagnosed in 2014, and pharyngeal infections; and for heterosexuals, infections diagnosed in 2014 or 2015, being of female sex, and having ≥ 10 sex partners. Continued decrease of azithromycin and ceftriaxone susceptibility will threaten future treatment of gonorrhoea. Therefore, new treatment strategies are warranted.


2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margarida Moura Valejo Coelho ◽  
Eugénia Matos-Pires ◽  
Vasco Serrão ◽  
Ana Rodrigues ◽  
Cândida Fernandes

Introduction: Recent studies worldwide reveal a significant prevalence of extragenital infections by Neisseria gonorrhoeae among men who have sex with men. We aimed to analyse the frequency and characteristics of extragenital gonococcal infections diagnosed in men who have sex with men in a walk-in Sexually Transmitted Infection clinic in Lisbon, Portugal.Material and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, retrospective study of the anorectal and/or oropharyngeal Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in men who have sex with men, diagnosed in our Sexually Transmitted Infection clinic between January 2014 and December 2016.Results: We found extragenital infection in 87 cases of gonorrhoea identified in men who have sex with men in this period, including: 49 cases of anorectal disease, 9 of oropharyngeal disease, 13 cases of infection at both extragenital sites, and 16 of simultaneous extragenital and urogenital gonorrhoea. Patients’ ages ranged from 17 to 64 years (median: 28 years). Forty-seven (54%) of the patients did not present with any extragenital symptoms. Thirty (35%) were human immunodeficiency virus-1-positive.Discussion: Since most extragenital Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections are asymptomatic, they may be missed and go untreated unless actively investigated. Current international guidelines recommend the screening of gonorrhoea at extragenital sites in men who have sex with men because anorectal and oropharyngeal infections constitute a potential disease reservoir, and may facilitate transmission and/or acquisition of human immunodeficiency virus infection.Conclusion: Our results highlight the relevance of testing men who have sex with men for Neisseria gonorrhoeae at extragenital sites, regardless of the existence of local complaints. The implementation of adequate screening programmes in Portugal should be considered. We also reinforce the need to raise awareness in the population regarding the adoption of prophylactic measures against transmission of sexually transmitted infections during anal and/or oral sexual exposure.


2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (37) ◽  
Author(s):  
H JC de Vries ◽  
J J van der Helm ◽  
M F Schim van der Loeff ◽  
A P van Dam

Antimicrobial resistance is an increasing problem in Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) treatment. Presently, third-generation parenteral cephalosporins, like ceftriaxone and cefotaxime, are the first option. Resistance to oral, but not to parenteral, third-generation cephalosporins has been reported previously. We analysed the microbial susceptibility (as minimum inhibitory concentration - MIC) of NG cultures obtained from high-risk visitors of the largest Dutch outpatient clinic for sexually transmitted infections (STI) in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Among 1,596 visitors, we identified 102 patients with at least one NG isolate with reduced susceptibility to cefotaxime (0.125 μg/ml < MIC ≤ 0.5 μg/ml). The percentage of NG isolates with reduced susceptibility to cefotaxime rose from 4.8% in 2006 to 12.1% in 2008 (chi2 17.5, p<0.001). With multivariate logistic regression, being a man who has sex with men (MSM) was significantly associated with reduced susceptibility to cefotaxime (p<0.001). Compared to susceptible NG isolates, those with decreased susceptiblity to cefotaxime were more often resistant also to penicillin (16.5% vs. 43.3%), tetracycline (21.5% vs. 68.9%) and ciprofloxacin (44.4% vs. 90.0%, all p<0.001). The increased prevalence of NG strains with reduced susceptibility to cefotaxime among MSM may herald resistance to third-generation parenteral cephalosporins. A considerable proportion of these strains show resistance to multiple antibiotics which could limit future NG treatment options.


2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (36) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanne HI Hofstraat ◽  
Hannelore M Götz ◽  
Alje P van Dam ◽  
Marianne AB van der Sande ◽  
Birgit HB van Benthem

Background Neisseria gonorrhoeae antibiotic resistance surveillance is important to maintain adequate treatment. We analysed 2007–15 data from the Gonococcal Resistance to Antimicrobials Surveillance (GRAS), which currently includes 19 of 25 sexually transmitted infection (STI) centres in the Netherlands. Methods: From each patient with a gonorrhoea culture, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for several antibiotics was determined. Time trends were assessed by geometric means and linear regression of logarithmic MIC. Determinants for decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone (MIC > 0.032 mg/L) and resistance to cefotaxime (MIC > 0.125 mg/L) and azithromycin (MIC > 0.5 mg/L) were assessed using stratified logistic regression. Results: 11,768 isolates were analysed. No ceftriaxone resistance was found. In 2015, 27 of 1,425 isolates (1.9%) were resistant to cefotaxime and 176 of 1,623 (10.9%) to azithromycin. Ceftriaxone susceptibility showed no trend (p = 0.96) during the study period, but cefotaxime MIC decreased (p < 0.0001) and azithromycin MIC increased (p < 0.0001) significantly. Concerning ceftriaxone, isolates of men who have sex with men (MSM) from 2013 (p = 0.0005) and 2014 (p = 0.0004) were significantly associated with decreased susceptibility. Significant determinants for cefotaxime resistance were having ≥ 6 partners for women (p = 0.0006). For azithromycin, isolates from MSM collected in 2012 (p = 0.0035), 2013 (p = 0.012), and 2014 (p = 0.013), or from non-Dutch (p < 0.0001) or older (≥ 35 years; p = 0.01) MSM were significantly associated with susceptibility. Resistance in heterosexual men was significantly associated with being ≥ 25 years-old (p = 0.0049) or having 3–5 partners (p = 0.01). Conclusions: No ceftriaxone resistance was found, but azithromycin MIC increased in 2007–15. Resistance determinants could help with focused intervention strategies.


Sexual Health ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nichole A. Lister ◽  
Nadia J. Chaves ◽  
Chee W. Pang ◽  
Anthony Smith ◽  
Christopher K. Fairley

Background: Although Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) and Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) are common infections in men who have sex with men, it is unclear from previous studies whether anorectal symptoms are reliable clinical indicators of infection. Aim: The objective of the study was to investigate the clinical significance of questionnaire-elicited or clinically reported anal symptoms for rectal Ng and Ct. Methods: During 2002 to 2003, men who have sex with men (MSM) screened or tested for Ng or Ct according to the national guidelines were invited to participate in a questionnaire. Results: During the study period, 366 MSM were enrolled into the study (88% recruitment rate), of whom 20 (5%) and 25 (7%) were diagnosed with rectal Ng or Ct, respectively. Overall, ‘any’ anorectal symptoms on a questionnaire were reported equally by those with and without rectal Ng (75 v. 74%, P = 0.69), but heavy anal discharge (P < 0.01) and anal pain (P = 0.04) were more common in those with rectal Ng. Symptoms on the questionnaire were not different among those with and without Ct. Any anal symptoms were reported substantially more often via questionnaire than in a clinical consultation (75 v. 16%, P < 0.01) and symptoms reported in a clinical consultation were not associated with Ng or Ct detection. Conclusion: The weak or absent association between symptoms and the presence of Ct or Ng highlights the importance of annual sexually transmitted infection screening in MSM regardless of symptoms.


2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian M. J. W. van der Veer ◽  
Christian J. P. A. Hoebe ◽  
Nicole H. T. M. Dukers-Muijrers ◽  
Lieke B. van Alphen ◽  
Petra F. G. Wolffs

ABSTRACT Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI). Currently, there are limited data on the bacterial load in both men and women and on both genital and extragenital sites. Therefore, we quantified N. gonorrhoeae bacterial loads in a large population of women, heterosexual men, and men who have sex with men (MSM) at three different anatomical sites. N. gonorrhoeae-positive samples (n = 1265) of STI clinic consultations (n = 944) were tested for N. gonorrhoeae with the Roche Cobas 4800 system, and quantification cycle (Cq) values were used as an inversely proportional measure for N. gonorrhoeae bacterial load after interpolation from a standard curve. Bacterial loads were compared between sample materials and sexes using t tests. The following mean N. gonorrhoeae loads were observed: urine, 4.5 ± 1.0 log10 CFU/ml; vaginal swabs, 4.3 ± 1.1 log10 CFU/ml; anorectal swabs (women), 4.0 ± 1.2 log10 CFU/ml; anorectal swabs (men), 4.5 ± 1.3 log10 CFU/ml; oropharyngeal swabs (women), 2.8 ± 0.9 log10 CFU/ml; and oropharyngeal swabs (men), 3.2 ± 1.0 log10 CFU/ml. Oropharyngeal swabs had a significantly lower N. gonorrhoeae load (P < 0.001) than genital and anorectal samples. Loads did not differ between men and women. This is the first study that determined N. gonorrhoeae load in both women and men at three anatomical sites. The substantial N. gonorrhoeae load at all sample sites suggest that all sites may have transmission potential. However, the oropharyngeal site presents the lowest bacterial load. Men and women have a similar N. gonorrhoeae loads on separate anatomical sites, arguing for similar transmission potential and similar clinical relevance.


2019 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 944-951 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geneviève A F S van Liere ◽  
Nicole H T M Dukers-Muijrers ◽  
Sophie Kuizenga-Wessel ◽  
Hannelore M Götz ◽  
Christian J P A Hoebe

Abstract Background Most oropharyngeal Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections are asymptomatic, and many infections remain undetected, creating a reservoir for ongoing transmission and potential drug resistance. It is unclear what the optimal testing policy is in men who have sex with men (MSM), as routine universal testing data are lacking. Methods Surveillance data from all Dutch sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics between 2008 and 2017 were used (N = 271 242 consultations). Oropharyngeal testing policy was defined as routine universal testing when ≥85% of consultations included oropharyngeal testing or as selective testing (&lt;85% tested). Independent risk factors for oropharyngeal N. gonorrhoeae were assessed among MSM routinely universally screened using backward multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results Routine universal testing was performed in 90% (238 619/265 127) of consultations. Prevalence was higher using routine universal testing (5.5%; 95% CI, 5.4–5.6; 12 769/233 476) than with selective testing (4.7%; 95% CI, 4.4–5.0; 799/17 079; P &lt; .001). Proportions of oropharyngeal-only infections were 55% and 47%, respectively. Independent risk factors were age &lt;31 years (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.9–2.3), age 31–43 years (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.6–1.9, compared with &gt;43 years), being notified for any STI (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.9–2.1), concurrent urogenital N. gonorrhoeae (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 2.1–2.7), and concurrent anorectal N. gonorrhoeae (OR, 11.4; 95% CI, 10.6–12.3). When using any of the risk factors age, notified, or oral sex as testing indicators, 98.4% (81 022/82 332) of MSM would be tested, finding 99.5% (4814/4838) of infections. Conclusions Routine universal testing detected more oropharyngeal N. gonorrhoeae infections than selective testing, of which more than half would be oropharyngeal only. Using independent risk factors as testing indicator is not specific. Therefore, routine universal oropharyngeal testing in MSM is feasible and warranted, as currently advised in most guidelines.


2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (50) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian MJW van der Veer ◽  
Petra FG Wolffs ◽  
Christian JPA Hoebe ◽  
Nicole HTM Dukers-Muijrers ◽  
Lieke B van Alphen

Background Genotyping of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) is essential for surveillance to monitor NG transmission and dissemination of resistant strains. Current genotyping methods rely on bacterial culture which frequently fails. Aim Our aim was to develop a culture-free genotyping method that is compatible with the widely used N. gonorrhoeae multi-antigen sequence typing (NG-MAST) database, which facilitates genotyping of NG detected at separate anatomical sites in individual patients. Methods Specific primers for both PCR targets porB and tbpB were designed and technically validated by assessing the analytical sensitivity, cross-reactivity with 32 non-gonoccocal Neisseria species, and concordance with NG-MAST. Clinical application was assessed on 205 paired samples from concurrent NG infections at different anatomical sites of 98 patients (81 men who have sex with men and 17 women) visiting our sexually transmitted infections clinic. Results Typing could be consistently performed on samples with a PCR quantification cycle (Cq) value <35. Furthermore, the method showed no cross-reactivity and was concordant with NG-MAST. Culture-free NG-MAST improved the typing rate from 62% (59/95) for cultured samples to 94% (89/95) compared with culture-dependent NG-MAST. Paired samples of 80 of 98 patients were genotyped, revealing distinct NG strains in separate anatomical sites in 25% (20/80) of the patients. Conclusions This NG-specific genotyping method can improve NG surveillance as it facilitates genotyping of non-culturable and extra-genital samples. Furthermore, 25% of patients were infected with multiple NG strains, which is missed in current culture-dependent surveillance. Including non-culturable and concurrent NG infections in surveillance informs actions on dissemination of multidrug-resistant NG strains.


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