Man suffering from 'worst-ever' case of super-gonorrhea

A British man has contracted what health officials are calling the world's "worst-ever" case of super-gonorrhea.

The man, who was not identified, has a regular partner in the U.K., but was infected earlier this year during a sexual encounter with a woman in Southeast Asia, according to BBC News.

The main antibiotic treatment for the disease — a combination of azithromycin and ceftriaxone — failed to cure the infection, according to Public Health England. The two drugs were recommended in combination under new World Health Organization guidelines issued only last year.

"This is the first time a case has displayed such high-level resistance to both of these drugs and to most other commonly used antibiotics," said Public Health England's Dr. Gwenda Hughes.

This computer illustration shows Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria, which causes the sexually-transmitted disease gonorrhea. The bacteria are Gram-negative, non-motile and kidney-shaped and often occur in pairs, being flattened on the side facing the partner. Infection occurs through the genital mucous membranes of either sex:. less This computer illustration shows Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria, which causes the sexually-transmitted disease gonorrhea. The bacteria are Gram-negative, non-motile and kidney-shaped and often occur in pairs, ... more Photo: KATERYNA KON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF Photo: KATERYNA KON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF Image 1 of / 30 Caption Close Man suffering from 'worst-ever' case of super-gonorrhea 1 / 30 Back to Gallery

The BBC said Public Health England, the WHO and the European Centres for Disease Control all agree that the case marks a first for sexually transmitted superbugs.

The man is being treated with one last antibiotic, but the results won't be known for another month or so. His regular partner has so far tested negative for the disease.

The bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae is spread by unprotected vaginal, oral and anal sex. Symptoms may include a thick yellow or green discharge from the genitals and pain during urination or menstruation. Without treatment, the disease can cause infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease.

MORE: Untreatable gonorrhea on the rise

For several years, doctors have been warning about "superbugs" — strains of bacteria that are so potent antibiotics have limited, or no, effect on them. Over time, bacteria adapt to the drugs that are engineered to kill them.

Misuse or overuse of antibiotics is one way that can accelerate the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

In 2016, gonorrhea and other bacterial STDs significantly increased over 2015 and the prior five years in California, according to the Sexually Transmitted Diseases in California 2016 Executive Summary. Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men experiencid a disproportionately higher infection rate.