What is super-gonorrhoea?

These are extensively drug-resistant gonorrhoea with high-level resistance to the current recommended treatment for gonorrhoea (ceftriaxone and azithromycin) including resistance to penicillin, sulphonamides, tetracycline, fluoroquinolones, macrolides.

Is Kenya the first country to report gonorrhoea?

No. In 2018 countries such as France, Japan and Spain, and this year also in UK and Australia.

What causes resistance to gonorrhoea?

Inappropriate selection and overuse of antibiotics

Unrestricted access to antimicrobials

Suboptimal quality of antibiotics

Inherent genetic mutations within the organism which have contributed to the development of a pattern of resistance in N. gonorrhoeae

What happens if left untreated?

According to the CDC, untreated gonorrhoea can cause serious and permanent health problems in both women and men.

In women, gonorrhoea can spread into the uterus or fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). The symptoms may be quite mild or can be very severe and can include abdominal pain and fever. PID can lead to internal abscesses and chronic pelvic pain. PID can also damage the fallopian tubes enough to cause infertility or increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy.

In men, gonorrhoea may be complicated by epididymitis. In rare cases, this may lead to infertility. If left untreated, gonorrhoea can also spread to the blood and cause disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI). DGI is usually characterized by arthritis, tenosynovitis, and/or dermatitis 15. This condition can be life-threatening.

Who should be tested for gonorrhoea?

Any sexually active person can be infected with gonorrhoea. Anyone with genital symptoms such as discharge, burning during urination, unusual sores, or rash should stop having sex and see a health care provider immediately.

Some prevention methods

Abstinence, being in a committed and monogamous relationship, and regularly using condoms seem to be the best methods of prevention for gonorrhoea and several other STIs.