Abstract

The frequency and antibiotic resistance of N. gonorrhoeae are increasing worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae in genital swabs. A collaborative cross-sectional study was conducted by a team of Microbiologist, Dermato-Venerologist and Occupational Physician in Bangui, from January 2015 to December 2018. Genital samples were stained by the Gram method, grown on blood agar and the colonies identified according to the biochemical characteristics. Antibiotic sensitivity was determined by the agar diffusion method from disks. The prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae was 3.2%,  more in males (90.5%), unschooled patients (61.1%),  those with a history of STIs (56.8%), and female sex workers (p = 0.006) The strains of N. gonorrhoeae isolated were highly resistant to all antibiotics commonly prescribed in proportions from 60.9 to 95.8%. No resistance was observed to Ceftriaxone and Spectinomycin. This study highlights the interest of intensifying the prevention of N. gonorrhoeae infection in female sex workers, of the revision of the protocols of management of the N. gonorrhoeae infection and of a policy to ensure a better availability of new antibiotics selected. Understanding the mechanisms of resistance will be the subject of a characterization study in molecular biology.

Key words: N. gonorrhoeae, STI, prevalence, antibiotic resistance, female sex workers, Central African Republic, Africa.