Background: Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) continues to develop antimicrobial resistance (AR), and treatment options are limited. ARNG surveillance aids in identifying threats and guiding treatment recommendations but has traditionally been limited to sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics. Large portions of STI care is delivered outside of STI clinics, such as emergency departments (EDs). These facilities might provide additional venues to expand surveillance and outbreak preparedness.
Methods: Through the Strengthening the US Response to Resistant Gonorrhea program, Greensboro, NC, and Indianapolis, IN, identified 4 EDs in high-morbidity areas to expand culture collection. Patient demographics, culture recovery rates, and antimicrobial susceptibility results between EDs and local STI clinics were compared along with lessons learned from reviewing programmatic policies and discussions with key personnel.
Results: During the period 2018-2019, non-Hispanic Black patients were the most represented group at all 6 sites (73.6%). Age was also similar across sites (median range, 23-27 years). Greensboro isolated 1039 cultures (STI clinic [women, 141; men, 612; transwomen, 3]; EDs, 283 [women, 164; men, 119]). Indianapolis isolated 1278 cultures (STI clinic, 1265 [women, 125; men, 1139; transwomen, 1]; ED, 13 all male). Reduced azithromycin susceptibility was found at the Indianapolis (n = 86) and Greensboro (n = 25) STI clinics, and one Greensboro ED (n = 8).Implementation successes included identifying an on-site "champion," integrating with electronic medical records, and creating an online training hub. Barriers included cumbersome data collection tools, time constraints, and hesitancy from clinical staff.
Conclusions: Partnering with EDs for ARNG surveillance poses both challenges and opportunities. Program success can be improved by engaging a local champion to help lead efforts.
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