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WHO warns about rise of antibiotic resistant gonorrhea

Category: Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The bacteria that cause gonorrhea are increasingly becoming resistant to antibiotics, according to a new statement from the World Health Organization. The statement indicates that individuals who receive positive STD tests may soon be out of treatment options.

About 106 million people are infected with the disease each year, the agency reported. With antibiotic-resistant strains already discovered in Australia, France, Japan, Norway, Sweden and the UK, many of these individuals may have difficulty overcoming their condition.

"Gonorrhoea is becoming a major public health challenge, due to the high incidence of infections accompanied by dwindling treatment options,” said Dr Manjula Lusti-Narasimhan, from the agency's Department of Reproductive Health and Research.


The organization is urging public health organizations around the world to put in place policies that may help fight the rise of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea. Most importantly, doctors should follow guidelines for the proper administration of antibiotics.

By refraining from giving these medications to patients who do not truly need them, it will help cut down on the number of bacteria that survive exposure to antibiotics, and thus develop a resistance.