Private MD News

Researchers identify antibiotic-resistant strain of gonorrhea

Category: Sexually Transmitted Diseases

A positive gonorrhea test may soon become a more menacing situation than it currently is, as a team of Swedish researchers has identified the first strain of the bacteria that is totally resistant to currently available antibiotics.

Dr. Magnus Unemo, who made the discovery of the drug-resistant bacteria, said that the findings were troubling but also predictable. The gonorrhea bacteria have shown a strong ability to mutate and make adjustments to antibiotics. Medical experts knew this day was coming but it could still pose serious health risks to individuals.

Gonorrhea has traditionally been relatively easy to treat. Penicillin was all that was needed to clear up the infection. However, if it is left untreated or is unable to be stopped by antibiotics, it can cause potentially dangerous health problems, including urinary difficulties, painful lesions and cardiovascular problems.

"While it is still too early to assess if this new strain has become widespread, the history of newly emergent resistance in the bacterium suggests that it may spread rapidly unless new drugs and effective treatment programs are developed," Dr. Unemo said.