Massachusetts DPH Announces a Concerning Novel Gonorrhea Strain

In a concerning press release by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), the organization announced two cases of a novel strain of gonorrhea that has a reduced response to antibiotics. This trend toward an antibiotic-resistant strain of this currently treatable sexually transmitted infection (STI) has alarmed public health officials.

According to the Massachusetts DPH, the strain found in the two cases had a reduced response to five different classes of antibiotics, noting that this is the first time that resistance to this many classes has been seen in the United States.

The department notes that this strain has previously been seen in Asia-Pacific countries and the United Kingdom. Additionally, a genetically similar strain was identified in Nevada; however, that strain was sensitive to only one of the classes of antibiotics.

Despite the concerns listed by the department, the infections were cured in both individuals with ceftriaxone, which is the currently recommended treatment for gonorrhea. The standard gonorrhea treatment is 500 mg of ceftriaxone delivered through an intramuscular injection. While the department did not clarify the dosage used to treat these patients, one can assume that a more potent dose was needed for these cases.

Additionally, contact tracing shows no direct connection between the two infected individuals, insinuating that this resistant strain may be farther spread than a couple of incidences. Across the US, the rate of gonorrhea increased by 131% between 2009 and 2021, accounting only for confirmed cases. By 2021, the US saw 696,764 cases of gonorrhea.

“The discovery of this strain of gonorrhea is a serious public health concern which DPH, the CDC, and other health departments have been vigilant about detecting in the US,” said Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke in the press release. “We urge all sexually active people to be regularly tested for sexually transmitted infections and to consider reducing the number of their sexual partners and increasing their use of condoms when having sex. Clinicians are advised to review the clinical alert and assist with our expanded surveillance efforts.”