Multicenter study of a single 500-mg dose of cefotaxime for treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea

Article Abstract:

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the causative agent in the sexually transmitted disease, gonorrhea. There are many different strains of N. gonorrhoeae, and in 1976 the first strains resistant to (not killed by) treatment with penicillin appeared in the United States. These strains, called penicillinase-producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae (PPNG), produce an enzyme called penicillinase that inactivates penicillin. Over the last 10 years, the incidence of infection with PPNG has increased dramatically. PPNG infection was first identified in prostitutes working in urban areas, and since then has spread to include most areas of the country. A new line of antibiotic drugs called the cephalosporins has received much attention and investigation in the treatment of PPNG. Previous studies have shown that cefotaxime is an effective treatment for infections of the urethra, rectum and cervix. Since this drug has been shown to be very potent in killing PPNG, the effectiveness of cefotaxime in a lower than standard dose for treating PPNG infection was evaluated. The 137 patients had a total of 187 different sites of infection. Of these sites, 181 (97 percent) were cured by a one-half gram dose of cefotaxime injected into muscle (the usual dose is one gram). The side effects of the treatment were minor and there was little or no pain associated with the injection. It is concluded that a one-half gram dose of cefotaxime is an effective treatment for PPNG infections and costs less than treatment with a one gram dose. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Sexually transmitted diseases, Evaluation, Drug therapy, Dosage and administration, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Cefotaxime

---

Gonorrhea prevalence in the Maryland state prisons

Article Abstract:

Gonorrhea is the most frequently reported sexually transmitted disease in the United States. It is most common among black males of low socioeconomic status. There is a high rate of gonorrhea in women and men entering prison. Although routine screening of women is advised, it has not been suggested for men. To determine the incidence of gonorrhea in imprisoned males, 2,598 men entering a Maryland state prison were evaluated. Gonorrhea was found in 28 men (1.1 percent) entering prison, 27 (92 percent) of whom had no symptoms. Many prisoners are held in detention centers before entering state prisons. The numbers of inmates entering prison with gonorrhea were lower than those previously reported by other criminal justice screening programs. Poor methods of collecting specimens and successful antibiotic treatment at a detention center may be responsible for the observed difference in the gonorrhea infection rate. The study also demonstrates the limitations of screening programs for men entering prison. Detention screening for gonorrhea may be a more effective approach to gonorrhea diagnosis and treatment. The cost- benefit ratio for routine prison screening should be evaluated.

Research, Medical screening, Health screening, Maryland, Prisoners

---

Rapid increase of syphilis and gonorrhea in parts of the former USSR

Article Abstract:

The three Baltic states and Russia gained independence from the former USSR in the 1990s, which coincided with a rapid surge in the rates of syphilis and gonorrhea. After a six-year decline in the numbers of syphilis and gonorrhea cases in Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Russia, the rates of these sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) began to rise in 1991. Between 1992 and 1993, the syphilis rate increased by 92% in Estonia, 143% in Lithuania, 201% in Latvia, and 159% in Russia. Since 1991 the rate of gonorrhea has increased by approximately 30% per year in all four countries. Similarly high rates of these STDs were last reported in 1975. At the end of 1993, HIV cases numbered between 20 and 30 in the Baltic countries and 677 in Russia. Only a few AIDS cases have been reported in the Baltic countries and 80 cases have been documented in Russia.

Russia, Syphilis, Baltic States

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Mechanisms of response to treatment in autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura. Kinetic studies of the mechanism of thrombocytopenia in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection
• Abstracts: Responsible and irresponsible use of very-low-calorie diets in the treatment of obesity. Determinants of the pressor effect of phenylpropanolamine in healthy subjects
• Abstracts: Dose-intensive use of cyclophosphamide in ablation of neuroblastoma. A new combination chemotherapy for advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia (vincristine, cyclophosphamide, melphalan, peptichemio, and prednisone protocol)
• Abstracts: Regulation of the immune response to Candida albicans by monocytes and progesterone. Relationship between circulating antisperm antibodies in women and autoantibodies on the ejaculated sperm of their partners
• Abstracts: Birth-day choices. A clinical trial of active management of labor. Low birth weight - not a black-and-white issue

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.