Gonorrhea Superbug Adapts To Resist Antibiotics Through 'Evolution In Action'

This STD Could Become Immune To Antibiotics

Sexually transmitted diseases are always dangerous, but strains of the infections that can mutate and become resistant to drugs are making treatment more and more challenging.

The problem is the tenacity of bacteria that constantly evolve in order to proliferate and thrive in even the most inhospitable environments, according to Dr. Bruce Hirsch, an attending physician specializing in infectious diseases at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y.

Hirsch spoke with HuffPost Live's Josh Zepps on July 16 to discuss how a new strain of gonorrhea mutates within the human body.

Hirsch described these bacteria as "unbelievable micro machines" that exhibit "evolution in action" by replicating themselves every 20 to 30 minutes. As the bacteria develop into gonorrhea in the body, patients suffer inflammation, pain and problems in the urinary tract. If the infection spreads, consequences can include joint infections, meningitis or even death.

Watch the full segment on HuffPost Live HERE.

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