Why gonorrhea may be the next superbug

Gonorrhea, or "the clap," is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by Neisseria (also known as Gonococcus) bacteria. For much of the latter half of the twentieth century, this historic ailment among sexually active people was successfully treated with antibiotics. However, in recent years gonorrhea has reportedly been acquiring the same antibiotic resistance as other multiple-resistant species like C. difficile and multiple-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). There are now fears that gonorrhea may be the next superbug.

FDA OKs Abbott Labs test for gonorrhea, chlamydia

Abbott Laboratories said Monday it received regulatory clearance to market new tests that can diagnose the sexually transmitted diseases gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Abbott said the Food and Drug Administration cleared the Abbott m2000 system, and the Abbott RealTime Chlamydia trachomatis/Neisseria gonorrhoeae test. They are used together to detect the diseases from specimens. The FDA also approved a specimen collection kit designed for use with the test and system.

Abbott Laboratories get FDA clearance for Chlamydia/Gonorrhea molecular assay

Co-infection with Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae is very common and detection of both of these sexually transmitted infections is important to ensure appropriate treatment is given.

Abbott Laboratories has just received FDA approval of the Abbott m2000 system, and the Abbott RealTime Chlamydia trachomatis/Neisseria gonorrhoeae (CT/NG) test. They must be used together to detect these pathogens from a variety of clinical samples to include urine, urethral, vaginal and endocervical.