Distribution and frequency of strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae with plasmid-mediated, high-level resistance to tetracycline (TRNG) in the United States

Strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae exhibiting high-level tetracycline resistance (TRNG) due to a 25.2-Mdal conjugative-tetM plasmid have been isolated in the United States. Ninety-nine TRNG isolates were characterized by auxotype and serovar (A/S class), plasmid content, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. TRNG isolates belonged to 19 A/S classes. Pro/IB-1 TRNG isolates accounted for 53 (53.5%) of 99 TRNG isolates, and were associated with a microepidemic of gonorrhea in homosexual men in Oregon. TRNG accounted for 4% of gonococcal isolates in DeKalb County, GA, in September-December, 1985, and continue to be isolated in this community. With the exception of 3 PPNG/TRNG isolates, TRNG isolates were susceptible or moderately resistant to other antimicrobial agents. TRNG have been isolated from 17 states in the United States and in British Columbia, Canada.