Treating uncomplicated Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections: is the anatomic site of infection important?

Abstract

Background: The efficacy of new antimicrobial regimens against Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection of sites other than the urethra and cervix is rarely adequately assessed.

Goal of this study: To learn whether modern antigonococcal agents eradicate infections at some mucosal sites less reliably than at others.

Study design: This was a systematic review of published therapeutic trials of various antimicrobial regimens for the biological cure of uncomplicated mucosal Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections. Data were aggregated by treatment regimen and the cure rates were calculated by site of infection.

Results: Of 16,737 infections, 96.4% were cured--female urethra, 98.4%; male urethra, 96.4%; cervix, 98.0%; female pharynx, 83.7%; male pharynx, 79.2%; female rectum, 97.9%; and male rectum, 95.3%. The differences between the cure rates at the pharynx and at all other sites were statistically significant in the crude analysis and after stratifying by treatment regimen.

Conclusion: Modern antigonococcal regimens highly effective against infection of the urethra are highly effective at the cervix and rectum as well, but pharyngeal infections are more difficult to cure.