Antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae and its risk groups in 23 European countries in 2022 within the European Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (Euro-GASP): a retrospective observational study

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has been monitoring antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae since 2009. This study aimed to compare Euro-GASP 2022 data with the most recent data from 2016 to 2019 to identify changes in AMR and risk groups. Results showed that ceftriaxone resistance remained low in 2022, while cefixime resistance decreased. Azithromycin and ciprofloxacin resistance increased, and female gonorrhoea cases increased. The study highlights the urgent need for enhanced AMR surveillance and the need for novel effective antimicrobials for gonorrhoea treatment. The Euro-GASP data is crucial for refining treatment guidelines and mitigating AMR gonococcal strains.