As STD cases continue to rise all over the world, researchers and healthcare professionals in the States have found two instances of gonorrhoea strains that have demonstrated a high level of resistance to all kinds of antibiotics. In fact, it is the first time that the bacterium has been found to display such resistive strength.
Evolution of gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea has become one of the most evolved STDs globally, resisting many types of antibiotics over the years. Studies have shown that many pathogens have developed resistive abilities against medications that have been created to fight them specifically. In fact, the bacterium is a primary example of such a powerful evolutionary mechanism.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Neisseria Gonorrhoeae, the bacterium that causes gonorrhoea, has been growing rapidly in terms of antimicrobial resistance ever since penicillin became the fundamental treatment for the disease in the 1940s. In fact, by 1946, there were already four reports of penicillin-resistant gonorrhoea cases, causing doctors to find new drug solutions.
Over the past couple of decades, WHO has reported that gonorrhoea has become resistant to many classes of antibiotics, such as tetracyclines, trimethoprim combinations, and recently, ceftriaxone and cefixime. The recent two cases of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea cases paint a bleak future ahead.
A health crisis
In today’s era, cephalosporins are the only effective drug treatment for the bacterium. However, with the two new cases, it seems like the bacterium is evolving to resist even that, suggesting that the world would have to come up with a new solution as soon as possible. To make things worse, this particular strain has already been reported in many nations.
Given that there are currently no better alternatives than cephalosporins, medical researchers are actively looking into alternative therapeutic approaches, such as resistance-guided treatment, which has been effective for individuals diagnosed with sexually acquired infections and HIV. However, it has never been applied to individuals with gonorrhoea and needs the approval of various health administrations.
Why is the gonorrhoea bacterium evolving to become super bacteria strains?
Together with the ever-evolving genetic mutation in the bacterium, many factors have contributed to the rapid development of the gonorrhoea bacterium’s strong antibiotic resistance, such as inappropriate treatment selection, unrestricted access to antimicrobials, and overuse of antibiotics.
The “supercharging” of the bacterium’s evolution was also caused by the past two years of the Covid pandemic. Due to the pandemic and many societal changes, many people stayed home, increasing sexual activities and interactions. Combined with limited access to STD testing, it was inevitable that such a mutation would occur.
Antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea infections have contributed to approximately 700,000 deaths globally each year, with many researchers expecting the number to increase to more than 10 billion by 2050 if a new solution is not found yet.
Ensuring a proactive approach is vital
With that being said, this does not mean that gonorrhoea is untreatable. While there might be a new strain out there, for the most part, gonorrhoea is still treatable with the right antibiotic. Nevertheless, there are steps you can take to protect not only yourself but also your loved ones.
If you are sexually active, whether in a monogamous relationship or not, conducting regular STD tests is a quintessential step. Additionally, practising safe sex by always wearing a condom unless you are planning to have a child is a must-do.
Conclusion
Fortunately, many of the gonorrhoea bacterium strains common in Singapore are still less resistant than those mentioned earlier. With the proper treatment, they are still effective in eliminating the disease. Nevertheless, you can always reduce your risk of contracting STDs by practising safe sex.
If you are experiencing any unpleasant symptoms, do not delay conducting a test. STD clinics in Singapore, such as Elyon Clinic, offer accessible, highly-confidential STD tests tailored specifically for men and women. Find out more at https://elyonclinic.com.sg/ today!
