Antimicrobial-Resistant Gonorrhea Outbreak In Kenya

News: Kenya has seen an antimicrobial-resistant gonorrhoea outbreak.

  • Researchers have raised the alarm, warning that this virus can sometimes go undetected and present serious health risks, including lifelong reproductive system impairment.
  • The bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the source of the STI known as gonorrhoea.
  • It can affect the genitalia, rectum, and throat and can affect both males and women.
  • Gonorrhea can result in major health issues, such as infertility and an elevated risk of HIV infection, if it is not treated.
  • The ability of microorganisms (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) to withstand the effects of antimicrobial medications is known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) (such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics).

 

Causes

  • insufficient sanitation and hygiene, as well as poor infection control.
  • antimicrobial overuse and recurrent use of low-quality medications.
  • mutations in the bacteria’s genes.
  • AMR raises the possibility that infections will spread and become more difficult to treat, resulting in protracted sickness, disability, and death.
  • Additionally, it raises healthcare expenses and jeopardises the longevity of healthcare systems.