Antimicrobial Resistance in Curable Sexually Transmitted Infections
Lorenzo Giacani1,2, Catriona S Bradshaw3, Christina A Muzny4
1Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
Antimicrobial resistance in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has become an urgent global public health threat, raising the specter of untreatable infections. This review summarizes the determinants of resistance among the five most common curable STIs Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Treponema pallidum, and Trichomonas vaginalis, as well as strategies to mitigate the spread of resistance.
Recent Findings:
Genetic mutations are key drivers of resistance for N. gonorrhoeae and M. genitalium. Resistance in T. vaginalis can also occur because of genetic mutations, yet differential regulation of genes critical in antibiotic metabolism as well as co-infection with organisms that inactivate therapy play important roles. While resistance in C. trachomatis and T. pallidum has not been a substantial clinical concern, resistance selection via the continued widespread use of antimicrobials remains possible. While resistance determinants are diverse and differ by pathogen, the strategies required to mitigate the continued emergence of resistance are similar: prevention of infection and treatment diversification. Underpinning those strategies, surveillance remains essential for monitoring and responding to the threat of drug-resistant infections.
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance in common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is a growing threat. Strategies to combat STI drug resistance include infection prevention, diverse treatments, and robust surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) poses a significant global health challenge, potentially leading to untreatable infections.
- The five most common curable STIs include Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Treponema pallidum, and Trichomonas vaginalis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the key factors driving antimicrobial resistance in the five most common curable STIs.
- To outline effective strategies for mitigating the spread of antimicrobial resistance in STIs.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes current knowledge on resistance determinants.
- It examines established and emerging strategies for resistance mitigation.
Main Results:
- Genetic mutations are primary drivers of resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium.
- Trichomonas vaginalis resistance involves genetic mutations, gene regulation, and co-infections.
- While Chlamydia trachomatis and Treponema pallidum currently show low resistance, continued antimicrobial use could select for resistance.
- Key mitigation strategies include infection prevention, treatment diversification, and enhanced surveillance.
Conclusions:
- Addressing antimicrobial resistance in STIs requires a multi-faceted approach.
- Effective strategies involve preventing infections, diversifying treatment options, and continuous surveillance to monitor resistance patterns.
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