Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. N. gonorrhoeae infects the reproductive tract, including the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes in women, and the urethra in women and men. N. gonorrhoeae can also establish infection in the mouth, throat, eyes, and rectum. It is becoming more difficult to treat gonorrhea, as strains have been isolated that are resistant to the last antibiotic approved for treatment. NIAID supports a comprehensive, multidisciplinary program of research on N. gonorrhoeae that includes basic research on pathogens, improved diagnostics, preventive vaccines, and additional alternative treatments.
Highlights
NIH Statement on Preliminary Efficacy Results of First-in-Class Gonorrhea Antibiotic Developed Through Public-Private Partnership
A single dose of a novel oral antibiotic called zoliflodacin has been found to be as safe and effective as standard therapy for uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhea in an international Phase 3 non-inferiority clinical trial.
NIH-Funded Study Finds Doxycycline Reduces Sexually Transmitted Infections by Two-Thirds
The oral antibiotic doxycycline prevented the acquisition of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when tested among study participants who took the medication within 72 hours of having condomless sex.
News Releases
- Biomedical STI Prevention Evidence Is Inadequate for Cisgender Women
December 20, 2023
NIAID Now Blog
Related Research
Multidrug-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Gonorrhea)
Another important area of gonorrhea research concerns antibiotic (drug) resistance. This is particularly important because strains of N. gonorrhoeae that are resistant to recommended antibiotic treatments have been increasing and are becoming widespread in the United States. These events add urgency to conduct research on and develop new antibiotics and to prevent antibiotic resistance from spreading.
Diagnostics
Study Supports Expanded Testing for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia
A study from the NIAID-funded Antibacterial Resistance Leadership Group (ARLG) found that two diagnostic tests accurately detected gonorrhea and chlamydia in samples from the pharynx (throat) and rectum. Read the news release about the study: Study Supports Expanded Testing for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia
Related Public Health and Government Information
Read the Gonorrhea Fact Sheet and Antimicrobial-Resistant Gonorrhea Basic Information from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).