Susceptibility to antimicrobials of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated in Singapore: implications on the need for more effective treatment regimens and control strategies.

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.