Penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection in India
Mishra, D.; Singh, G.
Indian Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases 10(2): 45-47
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0253-7184 PMID: 12284232 Document Number: 375772
In 1986-1987, health workers at the Banaras Hindu University Hospital in Varanasi, India took gonococcal smears from both men and women so laboratory personnel could test for detection of penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoea (PPNG). None of the cultures tested positive for PPNG. They were detected in 3 cases in Varanasi in 1983, however. Nevertheless PPNG strains remained rare in Varanasi. The 1st reported case of PPNG occurred in Madras in 1981. In 1989, only 52 cases of PPNG had been reported nationwide. The researchers suggested that such a low yield of PPNG isolates may be due to underreporting of STDs in general and inadequate laboratories and equipment to culture gonococci at most centers. Furthermore, many health practitioners treat urethritis patients without laboratory confirmation and switch antibiotics at the 1st possible sign of treatment failure. The researchers proposed educating practitioners about wise use of recommended effective STD therapies to not deplete the antimicrobial reserve. In addition, researchers should conduct studies to determine the exact prevalence of PPNG strains in an area. They should also conduct studies on treatment failure rates with the 1st line drug of choice to monitor drug efficacy. For example, cure rates 90% should be unacceptable for gonorrhea. They concluded by advocating the provision of a test for penicillinase production at all centers in India.