The role of penicillin binding proteins in the resistance of neisseria

Abstract

Neisseria gonorrhoeae, an organism which previously was found to be extremely sensitive to penicillin and other antibiotics is becoming increasingly resistant. As penicillin is still used in many areas as first line antibiotic therapy for the treatment of gonorrhoea it has become imperative to draw attention to this fact. This study demonstrates the appearance of resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains in Bloemfontein and the dramatic increase in these strains. The mechanisms of resistance are demonstrated as well as the role which is played by the alteration of penicillin binding proteins.