Emerging Antimicrobial Resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Urgent Need to Strengthen Prevention Strategies

15 April 2008 | Volume 148 Issue 8 | Pages 606-613

Prevention and control of gonorrhea is an important public health concern due to the high burden of disease, the recent increase in reported infection rates, and the reproductive and economic consequences of infection. Effective antibiotic treatment is one essential component of an integrated approach to gonorrhea control. Over the past 60 years, however, development of resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae to multiple antimicrobial classes challenges this component of gonorrhea control. An integrated, comprehensive prevention strategy should include enhancement of national and international surveillance systems to monitor antimicrobial resistance and new strategies to maximize the benefit and prolong the utility of antimicrobials, including combination regimens, implementation of screening recommendations for individuals at high risk for infection, and the assurance of prompt and effective treatment for infected persons and their sexual partners. Progress in controlling the epidemic and avoiding a resurgence as treatment options wane will require careful attention to all components of a comprehensive prevention strategy.

Author and Article Information

From the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Acknowledgment: The authors thank Hillard Weinstock, Eileen Yee, and the many clinicians and laboratory personnel for their substantial contributions to the Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project. They also thank Lori Newman for her contribution in the development of the CDC's 2006 STD Treatment Guidelines (43).

Potential Financial Conflicts of Interest: None disclosed.

Requests for Single Reprints: Kimberly A. Workowski, MD, 10 Corporate Square, Corporate Square Boulevard, Mailstop E02, Atlanta, GA 30333; e-mail, kgw2{at}cdc.gov.

Current Author Addresses: Drs. Workowski, Berman, and Douglas: 10 Corporate Square, Corporate Square Boulevard, Mailstop E02, Atlanta, GA 30333.

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Emerging Antimicrobial Resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae

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