Gonorrhea infection - Symptoms, Causes, Images, and Treatment Options

Diseases

Highlights & Basics

Key Highlights

Gonorrhea infection is a common STI caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a gram-negative diplococcus bacterium that is closely related to other human Neisseria species.
Men typically present with a urethral discharge; women are often asymptomatic, but may have vaginal discharge.
Risk factors include multiple sex partners in recent months, known partner with gonorrhea, drug use, prior STI, and men who have sex with men.
If left untreated, N gonorrhoeae can disseminate to areas of the body to cause skin and synovial infections; rarer complications include meningitis, endocarditis, and perihepatic abscesses.
High rates of antimicrobial resistance have been reported, and antibiotic treatment should be guided by local and national guidelines. The main treatment for uncomplicated gonorrhea is monotherapy with single-dose intramuscular ceftriaxone.

Photomicrograph revealing the histopathology in an acute case of gonococcal urethritis using gram-stain technique

CDC/ Joe Millar

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History & Exam
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Definition

Epidemiology

Etiology

Pathophysiology

Images

This gram-stained micrograph of a rectal smear specimen reveals the presence of diplococcal Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria
This patient presented with symptoms later diagnosed as due to gonococcal pharyngitis
Gonococcal conjunctivitis of the right eye
Gonococcal arthritic patient with inflammation of the skin of her right arm due to a disseminated Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterial infection
Cutaneous lesions on the left ankle and calf due to a disseminated Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection
Gonococcal arthritis of the hand, which caused the hand and wrist to swell
A newborn with gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum caused by a maternally transmitted gonococcal infection
Photomicrograph revealing the histopathology in an acute case of gonococcal urethritis using gram-stain technique

Citations

Key Articles

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gonococcal isolate surveillance project (GISP). 30 August 2021 [internet publication].[Full Text]
Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Chan PA, et al. Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021 Jul 23;70(4):1-187.[Abstract][Full Text]
Miller WC, Ford CA, Morris M, et al. Prevalence of chlamydial and gonococcal infections among young adults in the United States. JAMA. 2004 May 12;291(18):2229-36.[Abstract][Full Text]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommendations for the laboratory-based detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae - 2014. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2014;63(RR-02):1-19.[Abstract][Full Text]
Fifer H, Saunders J, Soni S, et al. 2018 UK national guideline for the management of infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Int J STD AIDS. 2020 Jan;31(1):4-15.[Abstract][Full Text]
US Preventive Services Task Force; Davidson KW, Barry MJ, Mangione CM, et al. Screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2021 Sep 14;326(10):949-56. [Abstract][Full Text]
World Health Organization. WHO guidelines for the treatment of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. 2016 [internet publication].[Full Text]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guidance on the use of expedited partner therapy in the treatment of gonorrhea. 18 August 2021 [internet publication].[Full Text]

Referenced Articles

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