BRUSSELS — Sexually transmitted infections are surging across Europe, with gonorrhoea cases tripling and syphilis infections doubling since 2015, according to health officials.
The rise has intensified concerns about antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Gonorrhoea, if resistance spreads unchecked, could become difficult or impossible to treat, experts say.
A study by Louis MacGregor of the University of Bristol examined patients at a British sexual-health clinic from 2015 to 2019 and confirmed the surge in infections. The research found that individuals receiving pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention were overrepresented in the data because they undergo mandatory STI testing.
Health experts disagree on the specific causes of the increase but agree on the public health threat. Drug-resistant strains complicate treatment and strain health systems across Europe.
