Sexually transmitted diseases are increasing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "reported cases of gonorrhea and primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis increased by 10% and 7%, respectively, in comparison to 2019." However, this is not the only disturbing tendency. Gonorrhea has always been a public health concern, but in recent years, due to the STI's resistance to many common antibiotics, it has become an imminent threat. In Massachusetts, a highly drug-resistant strain of gonorrhea has been identified for the first time in the United States. This is the situation in numerous countries, including Japan, Australia, France, Japan, Slovenia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported the discovery of two different cases and issued an advisory to health officials.
"The discovery of this strain of gonorrhea is a serious public health concern that DPH, the CDC, and other health departments in the United States have been vigilant in detecting," stated Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke. "We recommend all sexually active individuals to undergo regular testing for sexually transmitted illnesses and to consider lowering their number of sexual partners and increasing their condom use. Clinicians are instructed to evaluate the clinical alert and contribute to our extended surveillance efforts."
Some analysts view the situation as troubling but not shocking. Edward Hook, MD, an expert in STIs and professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, told CIDRAP News, "We've been waiting for this to occur." Antibiotic resistance development is an inevitable consequence of gonorrhea. This process, which has led to periodic modifications in gonorrhea treatment recommendations since the 1960s, is continuing with ceftriaxone, according to Dr. Hook. The likelihood of therapy failure increases as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ceftriaxone required to block the growth of N gonorrhoeae grows. He stated, "We've observed a gradual increase in ceftriaxone minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for gonorrhea over a period of years, but in the last few years, treatment failure has become a problem."
Consume This, Not That! Dr. Damian Alagia, Senior Medical Director for Advanced Diagnostics and Women's Health at Quest, discusses gonorrhea and explains why instances are on the rise. Please consult your physician for medical advice at all times.
Why There Is an Antibiotic-Resistant Strain of Gonorrhea
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were about 700,000 confirmed cases of gonorrhea in the United States in 2021, a 130% rise from 2009. In addition to its prevalence (it is the second-most reported sexually transmitted infection in the United States), gonorrhea continues to mutate, increasing its resistance to existing treatments. Simply put, the velocity of its evolution exceeds our ability to generate new treatments."
According to the World Health Organization, N. gonorrhoeae is a multidrug-resistant organism due to its resistance to numerous treatment choices, including penicillins, sulphonamides, tetracyclines, quinolones, and macrolides (including azithromycin), as well as so-called last-resort treatments such as cephalosporins. This resistance is the result of multiple reasons, including unfettered access to antimicrobials, incorrect selection and overuse of antibiotics, and low quality antibiotics. In addition, genetic alterations within the organism have contributed to N. gonorrhoeae's enhanced treatment resistance. Infections outside of the vaginal region, specifically in the neck and rectum, disproportionately affect men who have sex with other men. As N. gonorrhoeae communicate and exchange genetic material with other organisms in certain areas of the body, this may also play a significant role in the creation of resistant strains.
What You Must Learn About Gonorrhea
Dr. Alagia states, "According to the WHO and CDC, gonorrhea is one of the most concerning drug-resistant bacteria for public health." Untreated gonorrhea can result in significant and irreversible health complications. The fact that gonorrhea infections are frequently asymptomatic, particularly in women, allows the germs to spread undetected.
Untreated gonorrhea can result in severe and irreversible health complications. Untreated gonorrhea in women can result in pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID, which may include consequences such as chronic pelvic pain, infertility, or ectopic pregnancy. In men, gonorrhea can cause a painful condition in the tubes connected to the testicles, which in rare circumstances might result in infertility. Beyond this, gonorrhea may spread to the blood or joints, increasing the risk of contracting or transmitting HIV.
Why Sexually Transmitted Infections are Rising, Especially Among Those 55 and Older
According to preliminary CDC data, there were 2.5 million recorded cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in 2021, reveals Dr. Alagia. Multiple causes have led to the increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We are failing to deliver quality sexual healthcare on a national scale, as higher rates disproportionately affect minority populations. Moreover, a significant amount of preventive care was postponed throughout the epidemic, leading to worries about undiscovered problems and deteriorating situations. In addition, we do not test sufficiently.
Patients do not see doctors for testing, and primary care providers do not conduct sufficient testing for sexual health and interactions. This may be due to social anxiety around the stigma associated with STIs as well as a lack of access to healthcare. Moreover, individuals are living longer than ever before. The divorce rate and the availability of new medications to treat erectile dysfunction have contributed to a rise in sexual activity among those aged 55 and older. Additionally, seniors do not have to worry about pregnancy, so they may forego protection, hence increasing the risk of STIs.
Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors of Gonorrhea
Dr. Alagia states, "In many instances, gonorrhea infection is asymptomatic. If you do encounter symptoms, they may affect a variety of physiological systems. Typically, the genital tract. For males, symptoms may include testicular soreness or swelling, pus-like discharge, and painful urination. Women may have painful urination, abdominal or pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding between periods, and an increase in vaginal discharge. In addition to the rectum, joints, throat, and eyes, it can affect other regions of the body. If you are having alarming signs or symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the bacteria that causes gonorrhea. During sexual intercourse, the virus is frequently transmitted. Common risk factors for gonorrhea include sexual encounter with an infected individual, unprotected sex with a new partner, and unprotected sex in a region with a high gonorrhea burden."