Neisseria Gonorrhoeae Resistance To Various Antibiotics At H Adam Malik Hospital Medan
Introduction
Neisseria Gonorrhoeae is a microorganism that causes gonorrhea infection, which is one of the most important sexually transmitted diseases. Antibiotic resistance to Neisseria Gonorrhoeae is a challenge in gonorrhea treatment, as well as in the prevention and eradication of this infection. Given the increase in resistance levels, it is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of antibiotics used in treatment. The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed Neisseria Gonorrhoeae as a priority pathogen for antibiotic research and development, highlighting the need for new and effective treatments.
Background
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that affects both men and women, causing symptoms such as discharge, pain while urinating, and inflammation of the reproductive organs. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and increased risk of HIV transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are over 600,000 cases of gonorrhea reported in the United States each year, with the majority of cases occurring in young adults.
Objective
The purpose of this study was to identify the resistance of Neisseria Gonorrhoeae to various antibiotics isolated from patients in the Dermatology Division of Sexual Transmitted Diseases H. Adam Malik Medan Hospital. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of antibiotic resistance among Neisseria Gonorrhoeae isolates and to identify the most effective antibiotics for treatment.
Method
This research is a descriptive study with a cross-sectional design. A total of 21 patients were examined using gram coloring and culture to determine resistance. The patients were selected from the Dermatology Division of Sexual Transmitted Diseases H. Adam Malik Medan Hospital, and the study was conducted over a period of six months.
Results
Of the 21 patients studied, the following results were obtained:
- Resistance to penicillin is found in 18 patients (85.7%)
- Resistance to Cefixime is detected in 8 patients (38.1%)
- Tetracycline shows resistance in 7 patients (33.3%)
- Ceftriaxone was found resistance in 6 patients (28.6%)
- Ciprofloxacin shows resistance in 5 patients (23.8%)
- Other antibiotics still show sensitivity in various patients.
Additional Analysis and Explanation
The results showed that Neisseria Gonorrhoeae's resistance to antibiotics was a serious problem at H. Adam Malik Hospital. The high number of resistance to penicillin (85.7%) shows that this drug is no longer effective for most patients. Resistance to Cefixime (38.1%) and other antibiotics also show the need for further treatment to find effective alternative treatment.
This resistance phenomenon can be caused by various factors, including the use of inappropriate antibiotics, incomplete treatment, and the ability of neisseria gonorrhoeae to adapt to an environment full of antibiotic pressure. This is very important to consider in the treatment and gonorrhea prevention strategy.
Doctors and medical personnel need to increase awareness of the importance of examination and selection of appropriate therapy, as well as education to patients regarding the risk of spreading infection and the importance of complying on the treatment regimen. Furthermore, further research and monitoring of antibiotic resistance regularly is very necessary to face this challenge.
With increased resistance, the search for effective alternative antibiotics is a priority. Some new antibiotics that are in research are expected to be a solution to this problem. Educating the public about safe sexual behavior is also an important step in reducing the spread of gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted infections.
Conclusion
This study confirms that neisseria gonorrhoeae resistance to antibiotics, especially penicillin and cefixime, is the main problem that must be overcome. Collaborative efforts from medical personnel, researchers, and the community are very important in controlling and reducing the incidence of gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted infections.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:
- Regular monitoring of antibiotic resistance is necessary to track the emergence of new resistance patterns.
- Development of new antibiotics is essential to address the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
- Improved treatment guidelines should be developed to ensure that patients receive the most effective treatment for their infection.
- Public education campaigns should be implemented to raise awareness about the risks of gonorrhea and the importance of safe sexual behavior.
By implementing these recommendations, we can work towards reducing the incidence of gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted infections, and improving the health outcomes of patients affected by these diseases.
Q: What is Neisseria Gonorrhoeae?
A: Neisseria Gonorrhoeae is a microorganism that causes gonorrhea infection, which is one of the most important sexually transmitted diseases.
Q: What is antibiotic resistance?
A: Antibiotic resistance is the ability of bacteria to resist the effects of antibiotics, making them less effective or ineffective in treating infections.
Q: What are the symptoms of gonorrhea?
A: The symptoms of gonorrhea include discharge, pain while urinating, and inflammation of the reproductive organs.
Q: How common is gonorrhea?
A: Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection, with over 600,000 cases reported in the United States each year.
Q: What are the risk factors for gonorrhea?
A: The risk factors for gonorrhea include having multiple sex partners, not using condoms, and having a history of sexually transmitted infections.
Q: How is gonorrhea treated?
A: Gonorrhea is typically treated with antibiotics, but the effectiveness of these treatments is decreasing due to antibiotic resistance.
Q: What are the consequences of untreated gonorrhea?
A: Untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and increased risk of HIV transmission.
Q: What can be done to prevent gonorrhea?
A: To prevent gonorrhea, it is essential to practice safe sex by using condoms, getting tested regularly, and avoiding multiple sex partners.
Q: What is being done to address the issue of antibiotic resistance?
A: Researchers are working to develop new antibiotics and improve existing ones to combat antibiotic resistance. Additionally, public education campaigns are being implemented to raise awareness about the risks of gonorrhea and the importance of safe sexual behavior.
Q: How can I get tested for gonorrhea?
A: You can get tested for gonorrhea at a local health clinic, doctor's office, or hospital. It is essential to get tested regularly, especially if you are sexually active.
Q: What should I do if I have been diagnosed with gonorrhea?
A: If you have been diagnosed with gonorrhea, it is essential to complete the full treatment course as prescribed by your doctor. Additionally, you should inform your sex partners and encourage them to get tested and treated.
Q: How can I prevent the spread of gonorrhea?
A: To prevent the spread of gonorrhea, it is essential to practice safe sex by using condoms, getting tested regularly, and avoiding multiple sex partners.
Q: What are the long-term consequences of gonorrhea?
A: The long-term consequences of gonorrhea can include infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and increased risk of HIV transmission.
Q: Can gonorrhea be cured?
A: Yes, gonorrhea can be cured with antibiotics, but the effectiveness of these treatments is decreasing due to antibiotic resistance.
Q: How can I stay safe and healthy?
A: To stay safe and healthy, it is essential to practice safe sex, get tested regularly, and avoid multiple sex partners. Additionally, you should inform your sex partners and encourage them to get tested and treated.