Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and the Global Shortage of Antibiotics

Abstract

The gonorrhoea caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae remains a major global public health problem with high morbidity. Gonorrhoea can affect both women and men, being more prevalent in sexually active young individuals. Even after infection from N. gonorrhoeae, many patients may remain asymptomatic, making the diagnosis and adequate treatment of the disease difficult. The treatment and control of gonorrhoea have been difficult in recent years in most populations, being an example of how behavioural, social, and demographic factors can influence the epidemiology of an infectious disease. The emergence of strains of N. gonorrhoeae resistant to multiple antimicrobials, especially to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, indicates that gonorrhoea has the potential to become untreatable in the current reality of treatment options, especially in places that have a high prevalence of gonococcal infections. The loss of available and effective treatment options can lead to significant increases in new cases of the disease, as well as increased morbidity and mortality. This review provides an overview of current therapeutic options for gonorrhoea, as well as ongoing experimental studies and clinical trials with new antigonococcal agents.