Gonorrhea infection

Gonorrhea is the second most commonly reported communicable disease in the US, and the number of cases has shown a sustained increase over the past 10 years.​[3]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually transmitted infections surveillance, 2022: national overview of STIs, 2022. Jan 2024 [internet publication]. https://www.cdc.gov/std/statistics/2022/overview.htm ​​ During 2021 and 2022, however, rates of reported gonorrhea decreased among both men (5.4%) and women (14.5%), although these years coincide with the COVID-19 pandemic, which introduced uncertainty and difficulty in interpreting STI surveillance data.[3]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually transmitted infections surveillance, 2022: national overview of STIs, 2022. Jan 2024 [internet publication]. https://www.cdc.gov/std/statistics/2022/overview.htm ​ In 2022, the gonorrhea rate in the US was 194.4 cases per 100,000.[3]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually transmitted infections surveillance, 2022: national overview of STIs, 2022. Jan 2024 [internet publication]. https://www.cdc.gov/std/statistics/2022/overview.htm The southern US continues to have the highest rates in the country. Rates continue to be highest among certain groups, such as men who have sex with men, and black people. Rates also continue to be higher in men than in women. The highest rates in men and women are seen in the 20 to 24 years age group.[3]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually transmitted infections surveillance, 2022: national overview of STIs, 2022. Jan 2024 [internet publication]. https://www.cdc.gov/std/statistics/2022/overview.htm

High rates of antimicrobial resistance to penicillin, tetracycline, and fluoroquinolones have been reported from the Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project, and there is concern about the potential of reduced susceptibility to extended-spectrum cephalosporins and macrolides.[4]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gonococcal isolate surveillance project (GISP). 30 August 2021 [internet publication]. http://www.cdc.gov/std/gisp Rare isolates have also been found with reduced susceptibility to cephalosporins and azithromycin, which has led to increased vigilance for antimicrobial resistance and updated treatment guidance.