Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41052130›Full record

ArticlePLoS neglected tropical diseases2025

Global genomic and antimicrobial resistance profiling of Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Insights from whole genome sequencing and minimum inhibitory concentration analysis.

Elaheh Ebrahimi, Zahra Hadi, Sara Farsioo, Bita Hasani, Farzad Badmasti, Masoumeh Beig, Mohammad Sholeh

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Article in PLoS neglected tropical diseases, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Elaheh EbrahimiDepartment of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Zahra HadiDepartment of Microbiology, School of Basic Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, Karaj, Iran.
Sara FarsiooDepartment of Microbiology, Faculty of Engineering, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Bita HasaniDepartment of Microbiology, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon, Iran.
Farzad BadmastiDepartment of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
Masoumeh BeigDepartment of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.ORCID 0000-0003-1243-3164
Mohammad SholehDepartment of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a major global health concern that limits treatment options and complicates disease management. Efflux pump systems and resistance genes are key to bacteria's ability to evade antibiotics. This study examined the genetic and phenotypic resistance landscape using a large dataset of whole-genome sequences to identify key resistance mechanisms, assess efflux pump gene prevalence, and analyze regional variations in Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values to inform treatment strategies and public health interventions.

methodsA total of 38,585 whole-genome sequences of N. gonorrhoeae were analyzed to identify AMR determinants. This study focused on the presence and distribution of efflux pump genes (mtrC, farB, norM, and mtrA) and specific resistance genes, including tet(C) (tetracycline resistance) and aph(3')-Ia (aminoglycoside resistance). The MIC values were assessed for multiple antibiotics to evaluate resistance trends and regional variations, including penicillin, spectinomycin, zoliflodacin, gentamicin, and fluoroquinolones.

resultsThis analysis revealed widespread resistance to multiple antibiotics. Efflux pump genes (mtrC, farB, norM, and mtrA) were found in nearly all isolates, highlighting their essential roles in resistance and adaptation. The presence of tet(C) and aph (3')-Ia varied across different Gene Presence Patterns, suggesting that regional or therapeutic factors may influence tetracycline and aminoglycoside resistance. High MIC values for penicillin were observed, likely because of blaTEM, a beta-lactamase gene responsible for beta-lactam resistance. Resistance to spectinomycin is also widespread, raising concerns about the diminishing efficacy of this antibiotic. In contrast, zoliflodacin, gentamicin, and fluoroquinolones exhibited relatively low MIC values, indicating their sustained effectiveness against N. gonorrhoeae. DISCUSSION: Efflux pump systems are key to N. gonorrhoeae resistance and adaptability. Regional MIC variations indicate that local antibiotic use shapes resistance patterns. The high resistance to penicillin and spectinomycin highlights the need for alternative treatments, whereas zoliflodacin and fluoroquinolones remain effective but require monitoring. This study emphasizes global AMR surveillance, novel therapies, and targeted antimicrobial stewardship to address multidrug-resistant infections.

Indexed as

Anti-Bacterial AgentsDrug Resistance, BacterialGenome, BacterialNeisseria gonorrhoeaeBacterial ProteinsDrug Resistance, Multiple, BacterialGonorrheaHumansMembrane Transport ProteinsMicrobial Sensitivity TestsWhole Genome SequencingAnti-Bacterial AgentsBacterial ProteinsMembrane Transport Proteins

Identifiers

PMID41052130
PMCPMC12500138

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.