With surveillance showing dramatically increased rates of fluoroquinolone-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the U.S. over the past 5 years, the CDC is no longer recommending the use of this antibiotic class for the treatment of gonorrhea, according to an article in the current MMWR.
The CDC assessed antimicrobial susceptibility of gonorrhea isolates collected from men receiving care at some 30 STD clinics. Researchers with the agency observed increases in fluoroquinolone-resistant gonorrhea among both men who have sex with men (from 1.6% in 2001 to 29% in 2005) and among heterosexual men (from 0.9% to 3.8%). Preliminary data indicate that in the first half of 2006, the prevalence of fluoroquinolone resistance had increased to 38.3% among MSM and 6.7% among heterosexual men.
The article includes a summary of recommended treatment options, while observing that "the options for treating gonococcal infections in the United States are limited."
Link: MMWR article (Free)
Link: Updated recommended treatment options for gonorrhea (Free)
Link: New York Times story (One-time registration required)
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