Australian Gonococcal Surveillance Programme Annual Report, 2018.

The Australian Gonococcal Surveillance Programme (AGSP) has continuously monitored antimicrobial resistance in clinical isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from all states and territories since 1981. In 2018, there were 9,006 clinical isolates of gonococci from public and private sector sources tested for in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility by standardised methods. This was the highest annual total of isolates tested since the inception of the AGSP. The current treatment recommendation for gonorrhoea, for the majority of Australia, remains dual therapy with ceftriaxone and azithromycin. Decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value ≥0.06 mg/L) was found nationally in 1.73% of isolates. The highest proportions were reported from Tasmania and non-remote Western Australia (7.3% and 2.1% respectively). In 2018 two extensively drug-resistant isolates were reported from Queensland patients. These two isolates, with ceftriaxone MIC values of 0.50 mg/L, high-level resistance to azithromycin (MIC ≥ 256 mg/L), and resistance to penicillin and ciprofloxacin were identified and reported to the World Health Organization as isolates of international significance. Resistance to azithromycin (MIC value ≥1.0 mg/L) was found nationally in 6.2% of isolates, lower than the 9.3% reported in 2017, but more than double the proportion reported in 2015 (2.6%). The highest proportions were reported from the Australian Capital Territory (8.7%), Victoria (8.3%), and New South Wales (6.5%). High-level resistance to azithromycin (MIC value ≥256 mg/L) was reported in nine isolates nationally in 2018: four from New South Wales, three from Victoria, and two from Queensland. The proportion of isolates resistant to penicillin in non-remote Australia ranged from 8.8% in non-remote Northern Territory to 44.1% in South Australia. In remote Northern Territory penicillin resistance rates remain low (1.9%), and higher in remote Western Australia (6.5%). The proportion of isolates resistant to ciprofloxacin in non-remote Australia ranged from 10.3% in non-remote Northern Territory to 48.3% in South Australia. Ciprofloxacin resistance rates remain comparatively low in remote Northern Territory (1.9%) and remote Western Australia (4.6%).

Australian Meningococcal Surveillance Programme annual report, 2018.

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a notifiable disease in Australia, and both probable and laboratory-confirmed cases of IMD are reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS). In 2018, there were 281 IMD cases notified to the NNDSS. Of these, 278 were laboratory-confirmed cases analysed by the reference laboratories of the Australian National Neisseria Network (NNN). On investigation, the serogroup was able to be determined for 98.6% (274/278) of laboratory-confirmed cases. Serogroup B infections accounted for 44.2% of cases (123 cases); serogroup W for 36.3% of cases (101 cases); serogroup Y infections for 15.8% (44 cases) and serogroup C 1.4% (4 cases); and there were two unrelated cases (0.7%) of IMD attributable to serogroup E. Using molecular methods, 181/278 IMD cases were able to be typed. Of note was that 89% of typed serogroup W IMD cases (66/74) were porA antigen type P1.5,2; of this number, 44% (29/66) were sequence type 11, the hypervirulent strain reported in recent outbreaks in Australia and overseas. The primary age peak of IMD in Australia in 2018 was again observed in adults aged 45 years or more; a secondary disease peak was observed in children and infants aged less than 5 years. Serogroup B infections predominated in those aged less than 5 years, whereas serogroup W and serogroup Y infections predominated in those aged 45 years or more. Of the IMD isolates tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, 1.4% (3/210) were resistant to penicillin with an MIC ≥ 1 mg/L, and decreased susceptibility to penicillin was observed in a further 93.8% (197/210) of isolates. All isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone and rifampicin; there was one isolate less susceptible to ciprofloxacin.

Australian Meningococcal Surveillance Programme annual report, 2017.

In 2017, there were 374 laboratory-confirmed cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) analysed by the Australian National Neisseria Network. This was the highest number of laboratory-confirmed cases since 2003. Probable and confirmed cases of IMD are notifiable in Australia; there were 379 IMD cases notified to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System in 2017, the highest number reported since 2005. Meningococcal sero-grouping was determined for 98% (367/374) of laboratory-confirmed IMD cases. Serogroup B infections accounted for 137 cases (37%). The number of serogroup W infections (141 cases, 38%) in 2017 was the highest since the Australian Meningococcal Surveillance Programme (AMSP) began. In addition, the number and proportion of serogroup Y infections (75 cases, 20%) was also the highest recorded by the AMSP. Molecular typing results were available for 315 of the 374 IMD cases (83%). Of the serogroup W IMD strains that were able to be genotyped, 97% (125/129) had the PorA antigen encoding gene type P1.5,2 and of these, 59% (74/125) were sequence type 11, the same type as the hypervirulent serogroup W strain that has been circulating in the UK and South America since 2009. The primary IMD age peak was observed in adults aged 45 years or more, whilst secondary disease peaks were observed in those aged less than 5 years. Serogroup B infections predominated in the age group 15-19 years. Serogroup W infections predominated in those aged 65 years or more. Serogroup Y infections were predominately seen in adults aged 45 years or more. Of the IMD isolates tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, 5.1% (14/276) were resistant to penicillin; decreased susceptibility to penicillin was observed in a further 89% (247/276) of isolates. All isolates tested were susceptible to ceftriaxone; two isolates were less susceptible to ciprofloxacin; and one isolate was resistant to rifampicin.

Systematic review and survey of Neisseria gonorrhoeae ceftriaxone and azithromycin susceptibility data in the Asia Pacific, 2011 to 2016.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a global concern, with the ongoing emergence of ceftriaxone and azithromycin resistance threatening current treatment paradigms. To monitor the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in N. gonorrhoeae, the World Health Organization (WHO) Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (GASP) has operated in the Western Pacific and South East Asian regions since 1992. The true burden of antimicrobial resistance remains unknown. In response, the objective of this study was to survey ceftriaxone and azithromycin susceptibility in N. gonorrhoeae across the western Pacific and south-east Asia, and interlink this data with systematically reviewed reports of ceftriaxone and azithromycin resistance. METHODS AND FINDINGS: The WHO Collaborating Centre for Sexually Transmitted Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Sydney, coordinated annual surveys of gonococcal susceptibilities with participating laboratories, and additionally undertook a systematic review of reports detailing gonococcal ceftriaxone and azithromycin susceptibility data for locations geographically in the Asia Pacific from 2011 to 2016. It was found that surveillance of gonococcal antimicrobial resistance remains limited in the Asia Pacific, with weaker surveillance of azithromycin versus ceftriaxone. Ninety-three published reports were identified (including national reports) which documented susceptibility data for ceftriaxone and azithromycin. GASP survey data was available for 21 countries, territories or areas, and suggested MICs are increasing for ceftriaxone and azithromycin. Between 2011 and 2016, the percentage of locations reporting >5% of gonococcal isolates with MICs to ceftriaxone meeting WHO's definition of decreased susceptibility (MIC ≥ 0.125 mg/L) increased from 14.3% to 35.3% and the percentage of locations reporting >5% of gonococcal isolates with azithromycin resistance (MIC ≥ 1 mg/L) increased from 14.3% to 38.9%. Published reports were available for several countries that did not provide GASP surveillance responses for ceftriaxone (n = 5) and azithromycin (n = 3) respectively. Over the study period, there was a 183% increase in the number of countries providing surveillance data for GASP for both ceftriaxone and azithromycin, and a 30.6% increase in ceftriaxone MIC testing across the Asia Pacific facilitated by this project. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first comprehensive illustration of increasing MICs to ceftriaxone in the Asia Pacific. The survey and literature review additionally detail increasing resistance to azithromycin. Further surveillance system strengthening is required to monitor these trends in order to address and curb gonococcal AMR in the region.

Australian Gonococcal Surveillance Programme Annual Report, 2017

The Australian Gonococcal Surveillance Programme (AGSP) has continuously monitored antimicrobial resistance in clinical isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from all states and territories since 1981. In 2017, there were 7,835 clinical isolates of gonococci from public and private sector sources tested for in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility by standardised methods. Current treatment recommendations for gonorrhoea for the majority of Australia, is a dual therapeutic strategy of ceftriaxone and azithromycin. Decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration or MIC value 0.06-0.125 mg/L) was found nationally in 1.06% of isolates, which is lower than that reported in the AGSP Annual Report 2016 (1.7%). The highest proportions were reported from Victoria and Western Australia (urban and rural) (2.1% and 1.4% respectively). Resistance to azithromycin (MIC value ≥1.0 mg/L) was found nationally in 9.3% of isolates, which is approximately double the proportion reported in 2016 (5.0%) and more than three times the proportion reported in 2015 (2.6%). The highest proportions were reported from Victoria (13.5%), South Australia (12.8%) and New South Wales (9.3%). High level resistance to azithromycin (MIC value ≥256 mg/L) was reported in 4 strains nationally in 2017, 2 from Victoria, one from New South Wales, and one from Queensland. The proportion of strains resistant to penicillin in non-remote Australia ranged from 10.3% in non-remote Northern Territory to 44.1% in Tasmania. In remote Northern Territory, penicillin resistance rates remain low (2.5%). In remote Western Australia, penicillin resistance rates continue to increase (6.7%) compared to the previous years, however, there were relatively low numbers of strains available for isolate based testing (n=12). To address this and to monitor resistance and inform treatment guidelines, widespread molecular testing for penicillin resistance in Western Australia is in place, and these data are included in the AGSP. The proportion of strains resistant to ciprofloxacin in non-remote Australia ranged from 17.2% in non-remote Northern Territory to 61% in Tasmania. Ciprofloxacin resistance rates remain comparatively low in remote Northern Territory (1.3%) and remote Western Australia (5.0%).

Azithromycin-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae spreading amongst men who have sex with men (MSM) and heterosexuals in New South Wales, Australia, 2017.

Objectives: To identify the genetic basis of resistance as well as to better understand the epidemiology of a recent surge in azithromycin-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae in New South Wales, Australia. Methods: Azithromycin-resistant N. gonorrhoeae isolates (n = 118) collected from 107 males, 10 females and 1 transsexual between January and July 2017 were genotyped using a previously described iPLEX method. The results were compared with phenotypic resistance profiles and available patient data. Results: The iPLEX results revealed 10 different N. gonorrhoeae genotypes (designated AZI-G1 to AZI-G10) of which three were responsible for the majority of infections; AZI-G10 (74.6%, 88 isolates; 87 males and 1 transsexual), AZI-G4 (11.0%, 13 isolates; 7 males and 6 females) and AZI-G7 (6.8%, 8 isolates; 7 males and 1 female). The observed resistance was attributable to one of two different azithromycin resistance mechanisms; the 23S rRNA C2611T mutation was identified in 24% of isolates, whereas the majority of resistance (76%) was associated with a meningococcal-type mtrR variant. Additionally, one isolate was found to harbour both the 23S rRNA C2611T mutation and a type XXXIV mosaic penA sequence associated with cephalosporin resistance. Conclusions: These data indicate outbreaks of azithromycin-resistant gonococci amongst networks of MSM and heterosexuals in New South Wales. The results also provide further evidence that azithromycin may soon be an ineffective treatment option for gonococcal infection and highlight the urgent need to explore alternative therapies.

Australian Gonococcal Surveillance Programme Annual Report, 2016.

The Australian Gonococcal Surveillance Programme (AGSP) has continuously monitored antimicrobial resistance in clinical isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from all states and territories since 1981. In 2016, there were 6,378 clinical isolates of gonococci from public and private sector sources tested for in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility by standardised methods. Current treatment recommendations for the majority of Australia is a dual therapeutic strategy of ceftriaxone and azithromycin. Decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration or MIC value 0.06-0.125 mg/L) was found nationally in 1.7% of isolates, similar to that reported in the AGSP Annual Report 2015 (1.8%). The highest proportions were reported from Queensland and Tasmania (3.7% and 3.6% respectively). Resistance to azithromycin (MIC value ≥1.0 mg/L) was found nationally in 5.0% of isolates, double the proportion reported in 2015. The highest proportions were reported from South Australia (19.5%), Tasmania (14.3%) and urban Western Australia (7.6%). High level resistance to azithromycin (MIC value ≥256 mg/L) was again reported in 5 strains. Nationally in 2016, 4 from Victoria and 1 in South Australia. There was no reported azithromycin resistance in remote Northern Territory. The proportion of strains resistant to penicillin in urban Australia ranged from 10.7% in the Australian Capital Territory to 41.8% in New South Wales. In rural and remote Northern Territory penicillin resistance rates remain low (3.0%). In remote Western Australia penicillin resistance rates have increased (5.3%) compared to the previous years, however, there were relatively low numbers of strains available for isolate based testing. To address this and to monitor resistance and inform treatment guidelines, widespread molecular testing for penicillin resistance in Western Australia is in place, and these data are included in the AGSP. The proportion of strains resistant to ciprofloxacin in urban Australia ranged from 16.1% in the Australian Capital Territory to 41% in South Australia. Ciprofloxacin resistance rates remain comparatively low in remote areas of the Northern Territory (3.0%) and remote areas of Western Australia (4.5%).

Australian Gonococcal Surveillance Programme annual report, 2015.

The Australian Gonococcal Surveillance Programme (AGSP) has continuously monitored antimicrobial resistance in clinical isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from all Australian states and territories since 1981. In 2015, there were 5,411 clinical isolates of gonococci from public and private sector sources tested for in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility by standardised methods. Current treatment recommendations for the majority of Australian states and territories is a dual therapeutic strategy of ceftriaxone and azithromycin. Decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone (minimum inhibitory concentration or MIC value 0.06-0.125 mg/L) was found nationally in 1.8% of isolates, which was lower than that reported in the AGSP annual report 2014 (5.4%). The highest proportions were reported from South Australia and New South Wales (3.6% and 2.7% respectively). High level resistance to azithromycin (MIC value ≥ 256 mg/L) was again reported in 2015, with 1 strain in each of New South Wales and urban Western Australia. There was no reported Azithromycin resistance in the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory, or remote Western Australia. The proportion of strains resistant to penicillin in urban and rural Australia ranged from 8.7% in Tasmania to 33% in the Australian Capital Territory. In rural and remote Northern Territory, penicillin resistance rates remain low (2.2%). In remote Western Australia relatively low numbers of strains are available for testing, however there is now widespread molecular testing for penicillin resistance in Western Australia to monitor resistance and inform guidelines and these data are included in the AGSP annual report. Quinolone resistance ranged from 11% in the urban and rural areas of the Northern Territory, to 41% in South Australia. Quinolone resistance rates remain comparatively low in remote areas of the Northern Territory (3.3%) and remote areas of Western Australia (3.4%). There was no reported quinolone resistance in Tasmania, but the number of isolates tested was relatively low. Azithromycin resistance ranged from 1.8% in Victoria to 5.8% in Queensland.