Archive

Spring 1999, Vol. 7 No. 1

H.K. Dermatol. Venereol. Bull. (1999) 7, 12-18

Review Article

Gonorrhoea: A Moving Target

WM Cheung

Abstract
Gonorrhoea remains a major concern throughout the world because of its persistent prevalence and substantial morbidity, attributing largely to the remarkable adaptive ability of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to enhance survival and transmission through changes in clinical features and antimicrobial resistance patterns. Escalating quinolone resistance in Hong Kong had prompted a search for an alternative first line treatment. Ceftibuten, a new, orally active, third generation cephalosporin was recently shown to be an effective and well tolerated treatment. However, as antibiotic resistance continues to develop and spread, finding a new effective antimicrobial treatment may only mean a short term measure, with the anticipation of gradual selection for resistant strains after increasing usage. The ultimate goal of developing an effective vaccine would hopefully be achieved in the near future.