English Abstract In this report the data from the surveillance of
penicillinase producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae (PPNG) in the Netherlands in
1990 are summarized. The inquiry among participating laboratories and the
survey of the Health Inspectorate indicate that the incidence of gonorrhoeae
- after a strong decrease in the mid-eighties followed by a stabilization in
the period 1988-89 around 3000 cases annually - has increased again to
approximately 3600 in 1990. The prevalence of PPNG among gonococcal
isolates further increased to 30%. In only 2 of the 23 municipalities
PPNG-frequencies below 10% were found. The outbreak of tetracycline
resistant PPNG, reaching its peak in 1989, seems to fade-away. Nevertheless
still 12% of all PPNG in 1990 were resistant to tetracyclines. The more
than 1000 PPNG isolates tested were susceptible to the newer cefalosporines
(e.g. cefotaxime and ceftriaxone) and fluoroquinolones (e.g.
ciprofloxacin). However, caution is warranted since the MIC values for some
isolates indicated decreased susceptibility.
