Gonorrhea
Why in news?
The US FDA recently approved new antibiotics for gonorrhea treatment, addressing rising drug resistance. Zoliflodacin (Nuzolvence), a single-dose oral pill, showed over 90% efficacy in phase 3 trials against uncomplicated urogenital infections. GSK's Blujepa also gained expanded approval as an oral option from a new antibiotic class.​
Resistance Challenges
- Gonorrhea, caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, resists nearly all prior antibiotics, earning urgent threat status from WHO and CDC.
- More countries report rising resistant cases, complicating standard treatments like ceftriaxone plus azithromycin. Untreated infections risk infertility, pelvic issues, and sepsis.​
About
- Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
- It primarily spreads through vaginal, anal, or oral sex and can infect the genitals, rectum, throat, or eyes.​
Symptoms
- Many people with gonorrhea experience no symptoms, especially women, but when present, they typically appear 1-14 days after exposure.
- Men often notice penile discharge (white, yellow, or green), burning during urination, or swollen testicles,
- While women may have vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or bleeding between periods.​
Complications
- Untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious issues like pelvic inflammatory disease in women, infertility in both sexes, or disseminated infection affecting joints and skin.
- It also heightens HIV transmission risk.​
Treatment
- Gonorrhea is curable with antibiotics, such as a ceftriaxone injection, often combined with others due to rising antimicrobial resistance.
- A follow-up test confirms clearance, and partners need treatment to prevent reinfection.​
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