Antibiotic susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Vientiane, Lao PDR

Open Access

Abstract

Objectives To determine the antibiotic susceptibility of N. gonorrhoeae in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos). Methods We obtained 158 gonococcal isolates from 12,281 genital samples routinely submitted to a diagnostic laboratory in Vientiane, Laos between 2011 and 2015 and determined their susceptibility to five antibiotics by a standard disk diffusion method. Results The rates of resistance to penicillin (by beta-lactamase production), tetracycline and ciprofloxacin were 89.9%, 99.3% and 84.8% respectively. All isolates were sensitive to ceftriaxone and spectinomycin. Conclusions This situation is similar to that in neighboring countries, but fortunately means that the latest Lao national guidelines for treating gonorrhoea should still be effective.