Final answer:
The CDC recommends treating gonorrhea with a combination of ceftriaxone and azithromycin to address both N. gonorrhoeae and potential co-infection with C. trachomatis, due to increasing antibiotic resistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Treatment for Gonorrhea
The recommended antibiotic regimen for the treatment of gonorrhea involves a two-drug treatment to address both Neisseria gonorrhoeae and potential co-infection with Chlamydia trachomatis. Due to increasing antibiotic resistance, particularly to tetracycline, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a combination of ceftriaxone and azithromycin. This combination is effective because some strains of N. gonorrhoeae have developed resistance to fluoroquinolones, making cephalosporins a first choice for treatment.
Treatment with a single dose of a cephalosporin plus azithromycin is the commonly recommended regimen over other options like doxycycline alone. The CDC classifies antibiotic resistance in N. gonorrhoeae as an urgent threat, and administering two medications concurrently is a strategy to slow the spread of resistance.
The treatment of sexual partners is also crucial to prevent reinfection and the spread of the infection. For cases with resistance to ceftriaxone, it can be extremely challenging to control the spread of gonorrhea. Therefore, adhering to the CDC's recommended treatment guidelines is vital for effective management.