This thesis examined molecular changes in the quinolone-resistance determining regions (QRDRs) of the topoisomerase genes, gyrA and parC of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis and their contribution to fluoroquinolone resistance (FQR). Initially models of FQR emergence were developed from analysis of resistant mutants generated in vitro. The effects of the nature and order of sequential changes in GyrA and ParC on FQR were explored by correlating QRDR changes with ciprofloxacin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determinations. The in vitro models were validated by comparisons of QRDR changes and MICs in two populations of wild-type FQR N. gonorrhoeae over a wide MIC range (0.09 to 24??g/mL), and in a wild type FQR meningococcus. The in vitro activities of three newer quinolones with differential activity on GyrA and ParC were compared with that of ciprofloxacin. Key findings were that the initial QRDR changes always occurred in gyrA and were the predominant influence on phenotypic expression of FQR. QRDR alterations were acquired sequentially and two GyrA and two ParC changes represented the full complement of changes observed in gonococci and two GyrA and one ParC change those in meningococci. GyrA alterations at Ser-91 in gonococci and Thr???91 in meningococci were pivotal for the development of further resistance. ParC changes required the presence of two GyrA alterations for any major impact on FQR. ParC substitutions, Ser-87???Arg and Glu-91???Gly in gonococci and Cys- 85???Asp and Glu-91???Lys in meningococci led to the expression of the highest FQR levels. Examination of FQR in wild-type meningococci was necessarily restricted, but analyses using the broader MIC range available in in-vitro-derived FQR meningococci (0.09 to 16??g/mL) revealed the first ParC changes in N. meningitidis. The study also redefined QRDR boundaries and described novel mutations within them. The nature of sequence changes in GyrA and ParC in FQR Neisseria also affected the relative activities of the three newer quinolones. Trovafloxacin was the most active quinolone in vitro but MIC differences with ciprofloxacin were mutation-dependent. Grepafloxacin and moxifloxacin were only slightly more active than ciprofloxacin in the presence of multiple QRDR changes. This thesis provides a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between QRDR alterations and FQR in N. gonorrhoeae and offers insights into the potential for FQR development in N. meningitidis.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Wollongong, 2005. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references: leaf 80-89.

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Carleton University, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 174-185). Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri--Columbia, 1998. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves: [89]-98). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (M.D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 195-247).

Dissertation (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / Bibliography. Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (M.D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 195-247) Also available in print.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2005. / Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages; contains xii, 304 p.; also includes graphics. Includes bibliographical references (p. 253-304). Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2005. / Title from first page of PDF file. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M. Med. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2006.