May 8, 2013 | Health Matters

Doctors warn of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea

As sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) mutate and evolve, they are becoming more dangerous. And a new antibiotic-resistant form of gonorrhea could initially prove to be devastating.

"It's an emergency situation," added William Smith from the US National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD). "As time moves on, it's getting more hazardous."

Currently the strain, known as HO41, has only been seen in Japan. And though there have been no known fatalities, health officials are keeping a very close eye on the situation.

“Getting gonorrhoea from this strain might put someone into septic shock and death in a matter of days,” said Smith.

Equally alarming is that other strains of gonorrhea are becoming resistant to treatment, and we could see several strains of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea within the next few years.

“We have seen a worrying rise in cases of drug resistant gonorrhoea over the last decade,” said Professor Sally Davies, England’s chief medical officer. 

However, there have so far been no treatment failures in the US for gonorrhea using currently recommended anitbiotics. The best way to protect yourself: use a condom. 

Sex Superbug Could Be 'Worse Than AIDS' [CNBC]