Penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae in a subset of nonemergent patients: I. A trend in the Washington, DC area.

A significant increase in penicillinase-producing isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae has been detected and documented in the District of Columbia. Currently, the prevalence of beta-lactamase isolates is approaching 50%, with the greatest number of cases being detected in the 18- to 23-year-old age group, in both males and females. Indicators suggest that this trend, which was first noted in 1987, will become more pronounced in the future. Ceftriaxone is now the first-line drug of choice in treating suspected gonococcal infections.