CEFTRIAXONE-RESISTANT NEISSERIA GONORRHOEAE IN A YOUNG MALE: A CASE REPORT HIGHLIGHTING MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES IN SAUDI ARABIA

This case report presents a 23-year-old male who presented with dysuria and purulent brownish urethral discharge following unprotected sexual activity. Culture results confirmed infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which exhibited ceftriaxone resistance, complicating the management. The patient was empirically treated with ceftriaxone and azithromycin however, his failure to attend follow-up care raised concerns regarding the resolution of the infection and the potential for further transmission. The absence of documented ceftriaxone-resistant N. gonorrhoeae cases in Saudi Arabia underscores the significance of this case. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant N. gonorrhoeae strains highlights the need for routine culture and susceptibility testing in guiding treatment, as well as the importance of public health strategies to improve adherence to STI treatment and follow-up protocols.