Survey on antibiotic sensitivity of Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains isolated in China, 1987-1992.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The appearance and the endemic of penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae (PPNG) and other resistant strains cause much difficulty in the treatment of gonorrhea. To keep surveillance of the strains is important for the control of gonorrhea nationwide.

GOAL OF THIS STUDY

To know the resistance to antibiotics of Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains isolated in China.

STUDY DESIGN

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) to penicillin, spectinomycin, and cephalosporins was determined by the agar plate dilution test in strains of N. gonorrhoeae submitted from six cities in various areas of the country during the period 1987-1992, and the prevalence of penicillinase-producing N. gonorrhoeae strains were examined by the rapid idometric method.

RESULTS

The resistant strains to penicillin (MIC > or = 1.0 microgram/ml) accounted for 57.5% of all isolates. The resistant strains to spectinomycin (MIC > or = 128 micrograms/ml) made up 1.3% and the strains which had a MIC closing resistance (MIC = 64 micrograms/ml) accounted for 4%. There were 18 PPNG strains (4.3%) in 419 isolates from Nanjing and Nanning city. The resistant strains to ceftrixone and cefotaxime accounted for 2.6% and 4.2%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The situation of N. gonorrhoeae resistance to penicillin is rather serious in the country and relevant measures should be taken in the choice of therapeutic drugs, the follow-up of patients and the surveillance of gonorrhea.