Prevalence and Risk Factors of Penicillinase-Type <i>β</i>-Lactamase Producing <i>Neisseria gonorrhoeae</i> Isolated from Patients Attending Health-Facilities in Yaounde, Cameroon

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Mitigation of antibiotic resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae has become a priority due to considerable health and economical disabilities it generates. In order to tackle the emergence of resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of penicillinase type β-lactamase-producing Neisseria gonorrheae among patients consulting for genital infectious disorders in two health-facilities in Yaounde, Cameroon. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study was conducted over a 3-month period, from July 2nd to October 2nd, 2022. Vaginal and urethral secretions were collected. Biochemical identification tests were performed on colonies grown on chocolate agar + polyvitex using the Api NH gallery. The detection of penicillinases was equally performed using the API NH gallery and confirmed using the antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations of some antibiotics were determined using the E-Test. Results: The results showed that out of the 198 patients sampled, 16 (8.08%) were positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, among which 13/16 (81.25%) were penicillinase-type β-lactamase producers. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing results showed high co-resistances to antibiotics, mainly ciprofloxacin (100%), nalidixic acid (92.31%) and azithromycin (84.62%). Moreover, high Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations of ceftriaxone (ranging from 6 to 24 mg/L) was observed toward Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates. The risk factors of the carriage of penicillinase-type β-lactamase producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae identified were: a history of Sexually Transmitted infections (p = 0.01) and unprotected sexual intercourse (p = 0.01). Conclusion: The emergence of penicillinase-type β-lactamase producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae is increasing and the situation is becoming worrisome. The identified risk factors can constitute a basic outlook to tackle resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and therefore sustain antibiotic stewardship.