There is a risk of antimicrobial resistance in STIs
The European Centre warns that medication used as post-exposure prophylaxis is effective against chlamydia and syphilis but may lead to bacterial resistance, affecting people who use it and the wider population.
European centre warns of antimicrobial resistance risk in sexually transmitted infections
Guidelines vary across the EU. Men are increasingly using post-exposure prophylaxis after unprotected sex, either with a medical prescription or through self-medication.
ECDC warns doxycycline PEP could raise resistance risk
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control warns that the use of doxycycline as post‑exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for sexually transmitted infections is expanding across the EU, both through prescriptions and self‑medication, and may increase antimicrobial resistance. The alert urges clinicians and sexual‑health services to weigh benefits against resistance risks and monitor local STI resistance patterns. Those using or considering doxycycline PEP should consult sexual‑health professionals rather than self‑medicating.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is an EU agency that monitors infectious diseases, assesses public‑health risks and issues guidance to member states. It has reported that the use of doxycycline as post‑exposure prophylaxis is expanding among men who have sex with men in the EU, via both prescriptions and self‑medication, a trend with implications for clinical guidance and antibiotic stewardship.
Doxycycline is a broad‑spectrum antibiotic from the tetracycline class used to treat various bacterial infections such as respiratory infections, skin infections and some sexually transmitted infections. The ECDC notes its increasing use as post‑exposure prophylaxis (doxycycline PEP) among some men who have sex with men in the EU, but this practice raises concerns about side effects and antibiotic resistance so anyone considering it should consult a clinician.
European Centre warns of risk of antimicrobial resistance in sexually transmitted infections
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC, English acronym) warned today about the risk of antimicrobial resistance associated with the frequent use of doxycycline as post-exposure prophylaxis for sexually transmitted infections.
