Super gonorrhea is a drug-resistant type of STI with a high level of resistance. Concerns about the spread grow after an Austrian man contracted the disease and could pose a “major global threat,” scientists have warned.
A new strain of super gonorrhea was reported after an Austrian man had unprotected sex with a Cambodian prostitute.
What makes this strain so troubling is that it is hardy to most people antibiotics it’s commonly used to treat infections, scientists have warned.
Adding to this risk, experts said that if multidrug-resistant strains of gonorrhea continue to spread, many cases of STDs could become incurable.
This was highlighted in a study recently published in the medical journal Eurosurveillance, which is part of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control.
The disease is caused by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
The infection is transmitted during unprotected vaginal, oral, and anal sex.
The lead author of the report, Dr Sonja Pleininger of the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, said the strain “poses a serious threat to global public health.”
“If such strains manage to establish prolonged transmission, many cases of gonorrhea could become incurable,” he added.
The unidentified Austrian in his 50s complained of unusual symptoms five days after having sex.
Symptoms reported included painful urination and penile discharge.
The man was initially treated with azithromycin and ceftriaxone.
Two weeks later, her symptoms disappeared, but a pap smear showed she still had gonorrhea.
Tests showed that his “super” bug was still immune to the treatment.
symptoms of gonorrhea
“Typical symptoms of gonorrhea include a thick green or yellow discharge from the vagina or penis, painful urination and, in women, bleeding between periods,” warns the NHS.
The NHS added: “But about one in 10 infected men and nearly half of infected women show no symptoms.
“The bacteria that cause gonorrhea are found mainly in penile secretions and vaginal secretions.”
What is super gonorrhea?
In women, this can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which could lead to fertility problems and future pregnancies.
It can also increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy, a medical emergency.
Gonorrhea can also increase the risk of transmitting or contracting HIV.
Other risks of super gonorrhea
Other serious risks of super gonorrhea include:
- A fivefold increase in HIV transmission
- Infertility, with its cultural and social implications
- Inflammation, which causes acute and chronic lower abdominal pain in women
- Ectopic pregnancy and maternal death
- abortion in the first trimester
- Serious neonatal eye infections which can lead to blindness.
Source: Dailystar
Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
