Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Newcastle upon Tyne 1995-1997: increase in ciprofloxacin resistance.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1999. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Newcastle upon Tyne 1995-1997: increase in ciprofloxacin resistance.

Int J STD AIDS. 1999 May;10(5):290-3. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/99288762
Tayal SC; Sankar KN; Pattman RS; Watson PG; Galloway A; Department of Genito-Urinary Medicine, Newcastle General; Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. STayal8144@aol.com

Abstract: Fluoroquinolones and third generation cephalosporins are the most effective antimicrobial agents for the treatment of gonorrhoea. However, clinically significant resistance to fluoroquinolones in Neisseria gonorrhoeae has been reported worldwide including Britain. The aim of this analysis was to study the factors relating to ciprofloxacin resistance and treatment failure. A total of 201 patients attending the Newcastle Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinic from 1995-1997 who were diagnosed with culture positive gonorrhoea was analysed. Treatment failure rates for ciprofloxacin were determined and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was measured for all cases of treatment failure. The case notes of all patients who had strains with MICs of ciprofloxacin in the resistant range (>0.05 microg/ml) were reviewed to determine the clinical outcome. The ciprofloxacin resistance with treatment failure was seen in 5% (8/160). All the 8 cases of treatment failure were heterosexual and had isolates resistant to penicillin and 4 cases (50%) were also resistant to tetracycline. All were sensitive to spectinomycin and ceftriaxone. Most of the cases probably acquired their infection from the Far East. As ciprofloxacin resistance seems to be associated with overseas exposure, changes in the standard treatment of gonorrhoea are not justified but consideration should be given to appropriate alternatives when the infection may have arisen from where such resistant strains are endemic. Monitoring fluoroquinolone resistance is now essential for ensuring adequate treatment of infections with resistant strains and for maximizing the time of usage of fluoroquinolones to treat gonorrhoea.

Keywords: JOURNAL ARTICLE Adult Anti-Infective Agents, Fluoroquinolone/*THERAPEUTIC USE Ciprofloxacin/*THERAPEUTIC USE Drug Resistance, Microbial England/EPIDEMIOLOGY Female Gonorrhea/DRUG THERAPY/*EPIDEMIOLOGY Heterosexuality Homosexuality, Male Human Male Middle Age Neisseria gonorrhoeae
991030
A99A0967

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1999. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1999. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .