What do "PPNG" gonococci produce?

"PPNG" stands for penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which refers to a strain of gonococci that have acquired the ability to produce an enzyme known as penicillinase. This enzyme breaks down penicillin, rendering the bacteria resistant to the antibiotic.

Choosing the option that states penicillinase-producing gonococci accurately reflects the distinguishing characteristic of PPNG strains. These strains are of significant clinical concern because traditional penicillin treatment is ineffective against infections caused by these resistant bacteria.

In the context of the other options, while penicillin-producing gonococci would imply a strain that creates penicillin, this is not applicable to PPNG, which functions through resistance rather than producing the antibiotic itself. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the specific mechanism of resistance that defines PPNG.