
Roger-Luc Chayer (Image: Pixabay)
Super gonorrhea has been present in major cities across North America and Europe for several years now, and unlike traditional sexually transmitted infections, it does not respond the same way to treatments.
Classic gonorrhea primarily affects sexually active young adults, particularly those aged 15 to 24. Men who have sex with other men contract this infection more frequently. People with multiple sexual partners, those who do not practice safe sex, or those with a history of sexually transmitted infections are also at significant risk.
Resistance
Super gonorrhea, or ultra-resistant gonorrhea, is completely different. According to the World Health Organization, ultra-resistant gonorrhea shows a high level of resistance to the currently recommended treatment for gonorrhea (ceftriaxone), as well as resistance to penicillin, sulfonamides, tetracycline, fluoroquinolones, and macrolides (notably azithromycin). These strains are referred to as superbugs or super gonorrhea.
It is important to understand that the most effective medications for treating it work poorly or not at all. The bacteria have become resistant to almost all treatments. This resistance is due to several factors, including unrestricted access to antimicrobials, inappropriate choice and overuse of antibiotics, and poor-quality antibiotics. Additionally, genetic mutations affecting N. gonorrhoeae have contributed to its drug resistance. Infections outside the genital region—specifically in the throat and rectum—especially affect key populations such as men who have sex with men. This can also play a significant role in the development of resistant strains, as N. gonorrhoeae interacts and exchanges genetic material with other organisms in these parts of the body.
Treatment
There are ways to protect yourself, and, as with other STIs, using condoms is essential.
Health authorities consider any new gonorrhea infection to be potentially resistant, and a protocol has been developed for its treatment, as it is still possible to cure it, except in a few exceptional cases. According to Health Canada, some treatments remain effective against resistant strains of N. gonorrhoeae. The currently recommended treatment is a combination therapy using two antibiotics: ceftriaxone and azithromycin. However, because there is no vaccine for gonorrhea, keeping N. gonorrhoeae at bay remains a challenge.
There is also a new approach, similar to PrEP, specifically aimed at preventing gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis—DoxyPrep. It involves taking a single antibiotic tablet within 72 hours following unprotected sexual intercourse to prevent infection. The success rate is promising but not absolute.
It is imperative to better protect yourself against STIs, as their long-term consequences are numerous. Additionally, the presence of gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis can exponentially increase the risk of simultaneously contracting HIV.
Any doctor is qualified to treat or prevent these infections, so don’t hesitate to talk about it!