Molecular characterization of antimicrobial resistance genes in Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from Kenya through whole genome sequencing. Kenyan Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolate genomes

A few studies in Kenya have reported resistance to penicillins, tetracyclines, and recently to flouroquinolones but the information is scanty. N. gonorrhoeae isolates resistant to penicillin, tetracycline, doxycycline, norfloxacin, and ciprofloxacin have been observed in the current ongoing sexually transmitted infection (STI) surveillance study. The underlying molecular mechanisms causing this resistance have not been determined. Therefore, this study aims at phylogenetically characterizing N. gonorrhoeae isolates, their antimicrobial resistance (AMR) determinants and the molecular mechanisms employed by the isolates obtained from Kenya under the current ongoing Walter Reed Project (WRP) STI surveillance program through whole genome sequencing. The findings will help in planning of containment and gonorrhoea treatment measures in Kenya.