Due to the increased antibiotic resistance in the treatment of Syphilis, gonorrhea and Chlamydia, the World Health Organization has released a fresh treatment guideline for the mentioned common STDs that are resisting treatment. Gonorrhea has long proven to be resistant, raising more concerns at a time when cases of untreatable Chlamydia and syphilis have raised among the young people aged 20-24 years in the U.S. Data published by the CDC in 2014 shows an increase of Chlamydia by 2.5%, syphilis 15.1% and gonorrhea by 5.1% since 2006.

Is there need for alarm?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, STDs are epidemics resulting to enormous economic and health consequences in the U.S. They are prevalent among college women in the age bracket of 20-24 years.  Each year in the U.S, about 820,000 cases of gonorrhea infections are reported which comes second after Chlamydia.  Over time, gonorrhea has resisted antibiotic treatment such as ubiquitous penicillin leaving only one effective recommendation antibiotics for its treatment.

Gonorrhea problems continue as it has shown signs of decreased susceptibility even to the last available treatment option.  It leads to the bacterium becoming multidrug resistant organisms often referred to as superbugs. Syphilis and Chlamydia resistant traits are not so common in the US as compared to other parts of the world where the World Health Organization warns about its problem growth.

Superbugs spread, new guidelines and possible treatments

The spread of superbugs in STDs starts with antibiotics. The more the bacteria are exposed to the antibiotics, the more they find a way to protect themselves from random changes in their genetic code.  Once the resistance lays a foundation, the use of antibiotic kills the bacteria without defense mechanism eliminating weaker bugs thus less competition.  Improper use of antibiotics contrary to the recommended ways BY the doctor also allows superbugs to spread as in the cases of gonorrhea.

The guidelines given by the World Health Organization recommends a particular treatment for the three common STDs.  The guidance highlights the benefits of prompt actions as well as sensitizing the public and medical sectors to work as a team I monitoring antibiotic resistance and in the development of treatment methods.

There is an only one available class of antibiotic that is useful in the treatment of gonorrhea. Prevention is the ideal approach as for now since it takes years for researchers to develop and bring an active drug to the market.

Untreated STD and prevention methods

Dual therapy or using of ceftriaxone and oral azithromycin drugs are the recommend treatment for gonorrhea today.  So far, they have proven to be effective as no failures have been reported yet in the US. The treatments for syphilis and Chlamydia are still the same since no resistance has been reported so far in The US.

There are different approaches that one can use to protect themselves and their partners from getting infected with these untreated STDs. These are:

•    Making use of condoms during intercourse

•    practicing sex with one partner

•    Talking to partners about safety measures to prevent STDs as well as getting tested.

•    Having routine checkups and getting vaccinated especially for the two common STDs namely hepatitis B and HPV.

All in all, preventing and leading a healthy life are your sole responsibility and a great way to avoid getting infected with an STD.

Contributor: admin