Whole genome sequencing of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in two cities of Bangladesh reveals high genomic diversity and stable antimicrobial resistance among key populations

Background Neisseria gonorrhoeae is an obligate human pathogen causing gonorrhoea the second most reported bacterial sexually transmitted infection. High level genomic plasticity of this pathogen requires whole genome sequence (WGS) analysis for epidemiological investigations. The absence of N. gonorrhoeae genomic data from Bangladesh represents a critical gap in South Asian gonococcal genomic epidemiology. Here we report, a genomic investigation of N. gonorrhoeae from Bangladesh using WGS approach. Methods Twenty-four N. gonorrhoeae isolates (N = 24) were collected from key populations including female sex workers, male sex workers and hijra. These belong to two studies conducted in two districts of Bangladesh; a cross-sectional bio-behavioral survey 2014 (Dhaka) and sexual and reproductive health and rights 2022–2024 (Dhaka and Jashore). Antibiotic resistance data…