Many strains of gonorrhea have becoming resistant to nearly all form of drug treatment, a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says.
One of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), gonorrhea can lead to infertility in both men and women, and can be fatal if it spreads to the blood or joints. Due to its high prevalence, gonorrhea has become increasingly antibiotic-resistant in the last 30 years, to the point that traditional antibiotics like penicillin, tetracycline, and flouroquinolones no longer work, MyHealthNewsDaily reported Aug. 10.
Now, cefixime, the sole remaining first-line defense against the disease, has become largely ineffective as well, leaving only the intravenous antibiotic cetriaxone as an available treatment. That too, will eventually become ineffectual, the CDC says.
A growing number of pathogens have become drug-resistant because of overuse of antibiotics and antibacterial products. Common diseases like strep throat could become life-threatening if the rise of drug-resistant pathogens continues, experts say.
To avoid lower your chances of contracting gonorrhea and other STDs, remember to practice safe sex with a condom.
The report appears in the Aug. 10, 2012 issue of the CDC?s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
(Photo ? Hi! Roro via Flickr)
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