CHALLENGES AND NEW PERSPECTIVES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF NEISSERIA GONORRHOEAE INFECTION

Abstract

This article sought to elucidate the current challenges and strategies for the future treatment of infection by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the etiological agent of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) gonorrhea, as there is a growing current trend towards the rise of multi-resistant strains to the last line of treatment with antibiotics. The relationship between gonorrhea infection and the development of resistance mechanisms has been the subject of important study in several countries. Therefore, this article seeks to rule out the main challenges for the treatment and control of gonorrhea infection and the most recent scientific and clinical studies carried out as a way of solving the public health problem that is Neisseria gonorrhoeae. An integrative review of the literature was carried out, through the analysis of 11 articles, highlighting the main relevant points regarding the challenges and new perspectives regarding infection by this pathogen and following the inclusion and exclusion criteria selected by the group. Articles from the last 5 years, present in the MedLINE, Scielo and UpToDate databases, were reviewed, using five main descriptors: “gonorrhea”, “bacterial pharmacoresistance”, “Neisseria”, “complications” and “treatment”. The results of this integrative review reveal a variety of challenges and new perspectives regarding gonorrhea infection. Among the main topics covered, bacterial resistance, underreporting and underdiagnosis of the disease and the growth in the prevalence of STIs stand out. In summary, it is crucial to understand the main challenges and key points facing Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection, with a view to promoting adequate management of the disease. Health professionals must be aware of the current scenario and new perspectives, emphasizing an appropriate clinical approach and prevention strategies.