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Beta-lactams in sexually transmitted diseases: Rationale for selection and dosing regimens

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Abstract

A review is given of the selection and rationale of optimal treatment regimens for patients with sexually transmitted pathogens, e.g. in cases of gonorrhea, chlamydial infections, chancroid, syphilis, pelvic inflammatory diseases and ophthalmia neonatorum. The scientific basis for the selection of a beta-lactam agent is discussed, including dose, MIC, the critical serum level and maintenance interval, and the duration of therapy. Except in the case of penicillinase-producingNeiserria gonorrhoeae, penicillin remained until recently the most effective agent available against many sexually transmitted diseases. However, ceftriaxone, a new third-generation cephalosporin, has been shown to have a long half-life (8 h) and excellent in vitro efficacy againstNeiserria gonorrhoeae (including penicillinase-producing strains) andHaemophilis ducreyi. In view of its exceptional clinical efficacy against both gonorrhea and chancroid, clinical studies of its efficacy against other sexually transmitted diseases appear warranted.

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  1. Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Room 543, Basic Sciences Building, R3E OW3, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

    D. Kunimoto, R. Brunham & A. Ronald

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  2. R. Brunham
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Kunimoto, D., Brunham, R. & Ronald, A. Beta-lactams in sexually transmitted diseases: Rationale for selection and dosing regimens. Eur. J, Clin. Microbiol. 3, 605–611 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02013632

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