Gonorrhea is the second most common sexually transmitted disease. Although it is commonly treated with antibiotics, it can easily reoccur if the individual does not take precautions such as using a condom and limiting his or her number of sexual partners. Because the infection is so common, certain strains have become antibiotic-resistant.
Researchers are now looking into possible treatments that would prevent the bacterium from reinfecting the host. Researchers at University at Buffalo, S.U.N.Y. have cured gonococcal infections in mice by introducing into the genital tract a cytokine, or immunoregulatory protein. Mice treated with the injection responded more quickly to antibiotics and were also significantly less likely to be reinfected than control mice when exposed to the same strain a month later, according to the study. Researchers hope that such advancements will help to replace the need for antibiotics and help to prevent repeat infections.
Gonorrhea can cause serious complications, if left untreated, like infertility, transmissions to newborns, or infections spread to other areas of the body, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is important to receive diagnostic testing to be able to properly treat an infection. The test only requires a urine sample and can help prevent future complications.