Genitourin Med 1986;62. 217-20 In vitro antimicrobial sensitivity of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from Rwanda

The in vitro sensitivity of 104 isolates ofNeisseria gonorrhoeae to six antimicrobial agents was tested. More than50% ofthe isolates produced penicillinase. Ofthose that did not produce penicillinase, 26% were resistant (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)) > 0 5 mg/i), and 68% showed a decreased sentitivity for penicillin G (0-06 < MIC < 0-25 mg/i). Twenty six per cent and 50% ofthe strains, respectively, showed a decreased sensitivity to thiamphenicol (MIC > 1 mg/i) and tetracycline (MIC > 2 mg/i). All isolates were sensitive to spectinomycin, kanamycin, and norfloxacin. Of 20 penicillinase producing N gonorrhoeae (PPNG) isolates examined, seven contained the 3-4 megadalton R-plasmid, another seven contained both the 3-4 megadalton and 22 5 megadalton plasmids, five the 4-3 megadalton and 22 5 megadalton plasmids, and one isolate harboured both the 34 and 43 R-plasmids, together with the 22-5 megadalton plasmid. A disturbing increase in resistance to penicillin has been observed since the publication of earlier surveys, and the clinical implications of these findings are discussed.