Just as we were relaxing after the much-prolonged outbreak of COVID-19 and its variants, a new strain is ready to take the world by storm again. The new strain of gonorrhea, which is being termed drug-resistant gonorrhea, has been the talk of the town of late, and recently, the health authorities of Massachusetts have announced to have identified the first two cases of the strain.
The Onset of the Strain
The strain was detected in a Massachusetts resident who showed reduced responses to several antibiotic treatments. The report showed another case with genetic markets that indicated an identical drug response. The health officials stated that this was the first incident that resistance to five classes of antibiotics was recognized in drug-resistant gonorrhea in the U.S.
Both cases were successfully treated with ceftriaxone, an antibiotic presently preferred to cure Disease. However, no direct connection between the two cases has been identified to date.
What exactly is Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection that does not have any specific symptoms. If it is not treated, it can result in infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and several other health problems. Prior to the United States, the strain was found in Asia-Pacific (APAC) countries and the United Kingdom (UK). A genetic marker common to both these cases was previously found in one patient in Nevada, however, it was sensitive to at least one class of antibiotics.
Expressing his concern about the rapidly spreading strain, Margret Cook (Public Health Commissioner) said,
“The discovery of this strain of gonorrhea is a serious public health concern. DPH, the CDC, and other health departments have been vigilant about detecting the concern in the U.S.”
The Centre for Health and Diseases (CDC) has recently published a report in which it has given more information about gonorrhea and its new strain. Here are some excerpts from the report.
- People who are sexually active can get gonorrhea.
- The disease can affect the genitals, rectum, and throat of the patient
- It can be treated and cured, however, it is highly skilled at outsmarting the antibiotics used to treat it.
