Antimicrobial susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates in Vientiane, Lao PDR

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos). METHODS: A total of 165 gonococcal isolates (1.3%) were obtained from 12 281 genital samples routinely submitted to a diagnostic laboratory in Vientiane, Laos, between 2011 and 2015. Susceptibility to five antibiotics was determined by the standard disk diffusion method for 158 of the isolates. RESULTS: Rates of resistance to penicillin (by β-lactamase production), tetracycline and ciprofloxacin were 89.9%, 99.4% and 84.8%, respectively. All isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone and spectinomycin. CONCLUSIONS: The situation in Laos is similar to that in neighbouring countries; this fortunately means that the latest Lao national guidelines for treating gonorrhoea should still be effective.