Background/Purpose: N. gonorrhoeae has developed resistance to each antibiotic recommended for treatment. Cephalosporins are the only remaining class of antibiotics that meet CDC’s recommendations for treating gonorrhea.  Recent international and US data suggest that cephalosporin-resistance may be emerging.

Objectives of Symposium: To provide an overview of N. gonorrhoeae antibiotic resistance, highlight international and US cephalosporin susceptibility trends, discuss key laboratory, treatment, and programmatic issues, and explore research needs.

Implications for Programs, Policy, and Research: In the face of the emerging threat of multidrug-resistant N. gonorrhoeae, it is critical to understand the surveillance, laboratory, treatment and program implications and address research gaps.