Fatty acids-based compounds as novel prophylaxis or treatment for oropharyngeal Neisseria gonorrhoeae: an in vitro study

Abstract

Oropharyngeal gonorrhoea remains a global challenge due to rising antimicrobial resistance and limited therapeutic options, necessitating urgent calls for new treatments and prophylaxis. This study evaluates the in vitro activity of arginine-based fatty acids against Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) strains in a validated oropharyngeal model. Five oropharyngeal cell lines (tonsillar/buccal/gingival/floor of mouth/uvular) were infected with two NG strains. Intracellular infection was assessed at 15/30/60 minutes. MIC₉₀ and cytotoxicity of five arginine-based fatty acids were determined. Promising candidates were evaluated for NG clearance at 30/60/120 minutes (post-infection) and prevention of infe..