Update on Treatment Recommendations For Gonococcal Infections

Abstract

Since the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) last established recommendations for treating gonococcal infections in 1979 [1], new information gained from studies recently conducted and from feed-back provided by practitioners has suggested certain revisions. An area of major concern is the treatment of infections caused by penicillinaseproducing Neisseria gonorrhoeae (PPNG). Since these infections and their associated complications are increasing [2], a review of the current alternatives for effective treatment of PPNG infections is particularly important at this time. This paper will be a review of recent English language reports related to the following sections of CDC's 1979 recommended treatment schedules for gonorrhea: uncomplicated gonococcal infections, PPNG infections, and the prevention of gonococcal ophthalmia. Other sections of the 1979 treatment schedules for gonorrhea will be discussed elsewhere in this series of position papers. Recommendations remain essentially the same in four areas: treatment in pregnancy, disseminated gonococcal infection, neonatal disease, and gonorrhea in childhood, although new treatment schedules for PPNG infections in these groups are suggested.