Bulgarian study reveals antibiotic resistance in gonorrhea bacteria

A Bulgarian research team has identified increasing antibiotic resistance in the bacteria causing gonorrhea. The study, conducted by the National Center for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (NCIPD), the Immunopathogen Competence Center, and CheckPoint Sofia, analyzed 38 bacterial samples collected in 2024 from men aged 19 to 60.

Findings presented at the International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections (IUSTI) congress in Prague show that 100% of the samples were resistant to tetracycline, while approximately 63% showed resistance to ciprofloxacin. Researchers also noted variations in sensitivity to azithromycin and decreased sensitivity to cefixime in some samples.

Notably, no resistance to ceftriaxone or cefixime was detected in any of the tested samples. Dr. Iva Filipova of the NCIPD emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring to detect changes that could complicate future treatments, highlighting the necessity of accurate diagnosis and appropriate medication selection.