High Prevalence of Ceftriaxone-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Hanoi, Vietnam, 2023-2024
Laumen JGE., Hieu VN., Nhung PH., Vandelannoote K., Nguyen TT., Nguyen TT., Nguyen DTN., Kesteman T., Van Doorn HR., Chau TM., Adamson PC.
Ceftriaxone resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is an escalating global health concern, threatening the efficacy of empiric treatment. In the Asia-Pacific region, a rapid surge in ceftriaxone resistance has been observed, primarily associated with the penA-60.001 allele. This study, conducted in Hanoi, Vietnam between 2023 and 2024, analyzed 352 N. gonorrhoeae isolates and found a 27% prevalence of ceftriaxone resistance. Whole-genome sequencing identified that resistance was predominantly driven by the mosaic penA-237.001 allele, with a smaller contribution from penA-60.001. The high prevalence of resistance and the emergence of new alleles underscore the urgent threat to ceftriaxone as an empiric treatment option.