Overview of Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a diplococcal, gram-negative microorganism that belongs to the bacterial group Betaproteobacteria and the family Neisseriaceae. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (often referred to as gonococcus) causes gonorrhea, the second most common sexually transmitted disease worldwide (chlamydial infections are more common). Humans are the only known hosts of N. gonorrhoeae. Currently, a major global public health concern is that Neisseria gonorrhoeae is developing high levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which threatens the effectiveness of existing gonorrhea treatments.
Epidemiology of Neisseria gonorrhoeae
WHO estimates that in 2016 there were 86.9 million cases of gonorrhea globally among adults aged 15-49 years. The epidemiological diversity of gonorrhea is manifested in variations in geographic distribution and prevalence among certain populations; determinants of such variations include sexual behavior and orientation, socioeconomics, demographics, geographic and cultural influences, sexuality education, accessibility and quality of prevention, testing and diagnosis, and political commitment to the provision of health services.
Antibiotics Resistance Mechanisms
Effective and accessible antimicrobial therapy is essential for the treatment of gonorrhea; however, gonococci have become resistant to all previous first-line therapeutic agents such as sulfonamides, penicillins, and third-generation cephalosporins. Mechanisms of gonococcal resistance mainly include
- Structural modification of antimicrobial binding targets of strains resulting in decreased efficiency of antimicrobial drug-target binding.
- Production of enzymes to destroy or modify antimicrobial drugs.
- Increased active efflux and decreased influx of antimicrobial drugs.
Our Specialties
Ace Therapeutics specializes in groundbreaking research on superbugs. We are dedicated to developing innovative therapies to combat antibiotic resistance in superbugs. Our capabilities include state-of-the-art facilities, a collaborative team of specialized researchers and a bioinformatics stockpile, which allows us to explore alternative treatment options to antibiotics, study the mechanisms of resistance in superbugs and work on the development of non-antibiotic drugs.
Conclusion
The growing antibiotic resistance of gonococci necessitates research into the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in gonococci and the exploration of potential therapeutic targets.
Ace Therapeutics is a leading company dedicated to providing solutions to this health problem. If you are interested in our research and services, please feel free to contact us and our team of experts will be happy to answer your questions.
References
- Unemo, M.; et al. (2019). Gonorrhoea. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 5:79.
- Shaskolskiy B; et al. (2022). Antibiotic Resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Challenges in Research and Treatment. Microorganisms. 10(9):1699.