This Oral Sex Superbug Is On The Rise Worldwide

Antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea is on the rise globally and, since it’s a pretty common sexually transmitted infection (STI), new drug interventions are in high demand. Of particular concern are infections that impact the throat, the World Health Organization (WHO) says.

“When you use antibiotics to treat infections like a normal sore throat, this mixes with the Neisseria species in your throat and this results in resistance,” Dr. Teodora Wi, WHO’s Medical Officer of Human Reproduction, told the BBC. “The bacteria that cause gonorrhea are particularly smart. Every time we use a new class of antibiotics to treat the infection, the bacteria evolve to resist them.”

In essence, the presence of gonorrhea bacteria is bad, but its existence in your throat is even worse. And in many instances, if the bacteria is present on the mouth, tongue, or throat region, it made its way there via oral sex.

The news of gonorrhea’s resistance to antibiotic treatment isn’t exactly a revelation. WHO data from 2009-14 shows a growing global resistance to the key antibiotics used to treat the STI. The data reflects a resistance to even the last-resort treatments. Now, WHO says, the need for new treatments is more urgent than ever.

“Any new treatment developed should be accessible to everyone who needs it, while ensuring it’s used appropriately, so that drug resistance is slowed as much as possible.”

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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