Drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae: latest developments

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2017 Jul;36(7):1065-1071. doi: 10.1007/s10096-017-2931-x. Epub 2017 Feb 16.

Abstract

Gonorrhea is the second most frequently reported notifiable disease in the United States and is becoming increasingly common in Europe. The purpose of this review was to assess the current state of drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae in order to evaluate future prospects for its treatment. An exhaustive literature search was conducted to include the latest research regarding drug resistance and treatment guidelines for gonorrhea. Gonococci have acquired all known resistance mechanisms to all antimicrobials used for treatment. Currently, the European Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom have established surveillance programs to assess, on a yearly basis, the development of gonococcal resistance. Current treatment guidelines are being threatened by the increasing number of ceftriaxone-, cefixime-, and azithromycin-resistant N. gonorrhoeae strains being detected worldwide. This has led the scientific community to develop new treatment options with new molecules in order to persevere in the battle against this "superbug".

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial*
  • Global Health
  • Gonorrhea / drug therapy
  • Gonorrhea / epidemiology*
  • Gonorrhea / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae / drug effects*
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents