Neisseria gonorrhoea – Cephalosporins
The WHO warns of Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria resistant to cephalosporin-antibiotics. Here you can see their prevalence in Europe’s hospitals. The percentage indicates the ratio of Neisseria gonorrhoeae found to be resistant to this particular antibiotic.
The bug
This bug causes gonorrhoea, as its name implies. It is a sexually transmitted pathogen that infects the genitalia. Untreated, it can cause infertility. There are estimated to be 100 million infections each year.
The resistance
Cephalosporins work on many different bacteria by inhibiting their reproduction. The first substance of this class was discovered in 1945 in mold. Cephalosporins have been chemically improved over time, so that they can also combat resistance. They are classified into generations. Third-generation cephalosporins are modern substances with a high relevance for battling hospital infections. Resistance is mainly caused by cell machines that degrade antibiotics.
Neisseria gonorrhoea is transmitted via sexual intercourse. It infects the genitalia and can lead to infertility.
Text: Hristio Boytchev
Illustration: Nick Böse
Graphics: Simon Wörpel
Copy Editing: Christine Coester