Final answer:
Gonorrhea is treated with a dual antibiotic regimen of ceftriaxone and azithromycin as recommended by the CDC, primarily because of the antibiotic resistance developed by the causative bacterium, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and the common co-infection with Chlamydia trachomatis. Treatment of sexual partners is also important to prevent reinfection and spread of the disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Due to increasing rates of antibiotic resistance, the treatment of gonorrhea has evolved. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends a combination regimen of ceftriaxone and azithromycin to treat gonorrhea, as this approach not only targets the gonorrhea infection but also potential co-infection with Chlamydia trachomatis. This co-treatment is essential because co-infection with these two bacteria is common. Resistance to antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones has prompted the use of cephalosporins such as ceftriaxone. Additionally, treating sexual partners is pivotal to prevent reinfection and curb the spread of the infection.
Treatment of gonorrhea is critical to avoid serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in females and inflammation of reproductive organs in males. Neisseria gonorrhoeae can also cause systemic diseases if not treated properly. The CDC emphasizes the importance of routine screening for gonorrhea to identify and treat asymptomatic cases, particularly due to its rising antibiotic resistance, which the CDC classifies as an urgent threat.