Gonococcal antimicrobial susceptibility surveillance in the European Union / European Economic Area : summary of results for 2022

The surveillance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae antimicrobial susceptibility in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) is essential for detecting emerging and increasing antimicrobial resistance. Since 2009, this surveillance has been co-ordinated by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The quality-assured data produced can be used to inform treatment guidelines. During 2022, as in previous years, the European Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (Euro-GASP) followed an annual decentralised and centralised testing model, requesting participating laboratories to collect gonococcal isolates during the period September-November. Susceptibility testing was performed on all isolates (MIC gradient strip test or agar dilution) for the following antimicrobials (where available): ceftriaxone, cefixime, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, as well as testing for β-lactamase production for detection of high-level penicillin resistance. Gentamicin and spectinomycin were also tested in 2022 because these are tested every three years. Decentralised testing took place on the premise of participating laboratories fulfilling set quality criteria.