The World Health Organization warns that gonorrhoea is increasingly resistant to primary antibiotics like ceftriaxone and cefixime. Resistance to ceftriaxone rose from 0.8% in 2022 to 5% in 2024, while cefixime resistance jumped from 1.7% to 11%.
WHO’s Enhanced Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (EGASP) now includes data from 12 countries across five regions, up from 4 countries in 2022. This expansion indicates growing commitment to track and contain antimicrobial resistance (AMR) globally.
High Resistance in Southeast Asia and Western Pacific
Cambodia and Viet Nam report some of the highest resistance rates. Resistance to azithromycin remains stable at 4%, but ciprofloxacin resistance is alarmingly high at 95%.
Demographics and Risk Factors Among Affected Populations
The median age of patients is 27 years. Men who have sex with men constitute 20% of cases, and 42% report multiple sexual partners. Recent antibiotic use and travel history are notable in 8% and 19% of cases respectively.
Advances and Challenges in Treatment and Surveillance
WHO has advanced genomic sequencing of gonorrhoea samples and supported research into new treatments like zoliflodacin and gepotidacin. Yet, challenges persist, including limited funding, incomplete data—especially from women and extragenital infections—and urgent need for investment in national surveillance.
Q&A Section
Q: How rapidly is resistance to gonorrhoea antibiotics increasing?
A: Resistance to primary drugs ceftriaxone and cefixime rose significantly between 2022 and 2024.
Q: Which countries report the highest resistance rates?
A: Cambodia and Viet Nam show the highest levels of resistance to key antibiotics.
Q: What is EGASP?
A: WHO’s Enhanced Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme that monitors drug resistance and guides treatment.
Q: Are there new treatment options for resistant gonorrhoea?
A: Yes, novel drugs like zoliflodacin and gepotidacin are being researched and hold promise.
FAQ
What causes antibiotic resistance in gonorrhoea?
Drug overuse, improper antibiotic selection, and genetic mutations in Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Is resistance uniform worldwide?
No, resistance rates vary widely, with some regions showing much higher levels.
How does resistance affect treatment?
It limits effective antibiotics, complicating disease management and increasing public health risks.
What can be done to combat rising resistance?
Strengthening surveillance, improving diagnostics, equitable access to new drugs, and better antibiotic stewardship.
The WHO’s latest data highlights the urgent global health threat posed by drug-resistant gonorrhoea. Expanding surveillance, innovative treatments, and targeted policies are crucial to control this increasingly resistant infection and protect public health worldwide.
This global effort is essential to tracking, preventing, and responding to drug-resistant gonorrhoea and to protecting public health worldwide.
