Epidemiology and treatment of gonorrhoea caused by penicillinase-producing strains in Liverpool. Issue 1 (February 1978)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arya, O P; Rees, E; Percival, A; Alergant, C D; Annels, E H; Turner, G C
• Is Part Of: Sexually transmitted infections. Volume 54:Issue 1(1978)
• Page Start: 28
• Page End: 35
• Publication Date: 1978-02
• Subjects: Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; HIV infections -- Periodicals; 616.951005
• DOI: 10.1136/sti.54.1.28
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-4973

Abstract

Abstract : The epidemiological features are described of an outbreak of gonorrhoea caused by penicillinase-producing strains of gonococci in 76 patients in Liverpool between February and November 1976. Initially infections were confined to a socially deprived inner city area with a large immigrant population, and subsequent spread of infection remained circumscribed. The characteristics of those patients acquiring these infections were similar to those infected by gonococci of diminished sensitivity to benzylpenicillin, and showed a strong association with adverse social factors. A comparison of the clinical features of patients harbouring sensitive, less sensitive, and penicillinase-producing strains showed severe symptoms and signs in men and a greater involvement of multiple sites in women infected with penicillinase-producing gonococci. Treatment with penicillins failed. Tetracycline was satisfactory in men but was less so in women in whom gonococci persisted in the rectum. Cefuroxime and spectinomycin were effective.