Gonorrhea, also gonorrhea is a widespread sexually transmitted disease. It is of concern that the bacteria that cause the disease become resistant to more and more antibiotics. According to a study by Georgia State University, the so-called gonococci could be stopped by placing your ability to absorb certain minerals, lame.

Gonococcal need iron and zinc, in order to survive and to reproduce. The researchers, led by Prof. Dr. Cynthia Nau Cornelissen from the Georgia State University has now shown that the bacteria use a variety of methods to get your needed nutrients. This data transfer system, however lame, can’t reproduce the gonococci further. "Our results show that gonococci die, if there is not enough zinc available ist", Cornelissen said. "You suggest a way to stop the growth of this sexually transmitted infection in the host’s body."

The next goal is now to use the in the scientific journal PLoS Pathogens published results in order to develop a vaccine that blocks the absorption of iron and zinc by the gonococcus. Gonococcal represent a growing threat because they have become resistant to many antibiotics. Untreated gonorrhea can cause women and men serious and permanent health problems in women can lead to infertility and ectopic pregnancies.

ZOU