title: Susceptibility to antimicrobials of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated in Singapore: implications on the need for more effective treatment regimens and control strategies.
abstract: The antimicrobial susceptibility of gonococci isolated in Singapore has been studied over several years. In 1983, the prevalence of penicillinase producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae (PPNG) was 33.5% and 64% of non-PPNG isolates had minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of penicillin of greater than or equal to 0.5 mg/l. After a control programme, the isolation of the gonococcus from prostitutes was reduced and there was improvement in its susceptibility to antimicrobials. The incidence of PPNG strains was stabilised with a change in the treatment regimen. An influx of foreign prostitutes, however, had an unfavourable impact on these variables. Countries in South East Asia have a high prevalence of PPNG and non-PPNG strains that have reduced susceptibility to antimicrobials. In view of increased air travel the problem should be seen from a global perspective. Better treatment regimens and control strategies are urgently needed.
mesh_terms: D000667:Ampicillin / Q000494:pharmacology; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006069:Gonorrhea / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007612:Kanamycin / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D009344:Neisseria gonorrhoeae / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D010403:Penicillin Resistance; D010405:Penicillinase / Q000096:biosynthesis; D010406:Penicillins / Q000494:pharmacology; D011477:Sex Work; D012846:Singapore; D000198:Spectinomycin / Q000494:pharmacology; D013752:Tetracycline / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D010406:Penicillins; D007612:Kanamycin; D000667:Ampicillin; D000198:Spectinomycin; D010405:Penicillinase; D013752:Tetracycline