High prevalence of macrolide resistant Treponema pallidum strains in a London centre. Issue 6 (13th September 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tipple, Craig; McClure, Myra O; Taylor, Graham P
• Is Part Of: Sexually transmitted infections. Volume 87:Issue 6(2011)
• Page Start: 486
• Page End: 488
• Publication Date: 2011-09-13
• Subjects: Treponema pallidum -- syphilis -- antibiotic resistance -- molecular typing -- back disorders -- ergonomics -- epidemiology -- retrospective exposure assessment -- male reproduction; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; HIV infections -- Periodicals; 616.951005
• DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2011-050082
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-4973

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: Macrolide resistant Treponema pallidum strains, caused by mutations in the 23S ribosomal RNA ( 23S rRNA ) gene, are widespread and increasingly prevalent. The authors aimed to establish the strain types of T pallidum isolated from patients in a London sexual health centre and to determine the frequency of macrolide resistance. Methods: T pallidum DNA from blood and ulcer samples were subjected to strain typing and mutation analysis using previously described methods. Results: 18 samples were tested and a 23S rRNA point mutation conferring macrolide resistance was found in 66.6%. All resistant strains were collected from men who have sex with men and both the A2058G and the A2059G mutations were found. Two strain types were identified (14d/g and 14d/f); the predominant strain type was 14d/g and an association was noted between tp0548 type g and macrolide resistance. Conclusions: High levels of T pallidum macrolide resistance are present in London, UK, and this has clear implications for national treatment guidelines.