Intensive Care Medicine (ICM) Practice Exam

What is part of the current treatment plan for Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection?

1. Oral Ceftriaxone

2. Intravenous Azithromycin

3. Oral cephalosporins

4. Penicillin

The correct answer is: Oral Ceftriaxone

The current treatment plan for Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection involves the use of ceftriaxone, which is a third-generation cephalosporin. This antibiotic is preferred due to its effectiveness against the organisms that have developed resistance to other treatments. Ceftriaxone is typically administered via intramuscular or intravenous routes, but in the context of the oral formulation of ceftriaxone, it reflects an approach focused on delivery and appropriateness for the infection. Oral formulations of other antibiotics are generally less preferred because Neisseria gonorrhoeae has shown increasing resistance to many commonly used antibiotics. For example, azithromycin has been used in the past, but resistance patterns have led to its decreased efficacy for gonorrhea treatment when administered intravenously or orally. Cephalosporins are specifically chosen for their action against this pathogen, aligning with current guidelines that emphasize combination therapy to enhance treatment success and reduce the possibility of resistance. The mention of penicillin highlights its historical role in treating infections caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae; however, the emergence of widespread bacterial resistance has rendered penicillin ineffective for this purpose. Therefore, the optimal choice in the treatment of gonorrhea is to utilize ceftriaxone,