Background: There is high prevalence of pencicllinase producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae and antibiotic resistance in numerous areas of the world. The aim of this study was to investigate drug resistance of gonococci.

Material and methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, vaginal discharge of 126 patients visited for vaginal discharge or suprapubic pain or admitted for periodic examination in Azad University hospitals were studied. Direct smear and gram stain of vaginal discharge was prepared and it was cultured into Tyer-Marthin media. Sensitivity to antibiotics was evaluated in positive cultures.

Results: Direct smear and gram staining of cervical discharge revealed 48 (38.1%) gram negative kidney shaped diplococci, but in selective media, only 12 (9.5%) Nesseria gonorrhoeae was detected. From 12 strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, 8 (66.6%) were resistant to penicillin, 8 (66.6%) to spectinomycin and 8 (66.6%) to co-trimoxazol, but neither of specimens were resistant to ceftriaxone.

Conclusion: Direct smear of vaginal discharge isn't enough for proper diagnosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and it should be confirmed by culture. Ceftriaxone is the best choice for treatment of gonococcal infections, but there is resistance to spectinomycin, co-trimoxazol and penicillin.