Gonorrhea - Gonococcal Infections

Gonococcal infections are caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. These infections are usually acquired through sexual contact. A gonococcal infection may also be passed from mother to baby during childbirth.

What is going on in the body?

Humans are the only host for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is spread from person to person through sexual contact. It can spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The bacteria can also be transmitted on contaminated fingers or sex toys. Gonococcal infections can also be spread from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.

The infection can affect any mucuous membrane. It is most common in the following locations:

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Sometimes the bacteria can spread through the bloodstream to other areas of the body. The infection may spread to the abdomen, heart, joints, spinal cord, brain, and liver.

What are the causes and risks of the disease?

Gonococcal infections are caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. It is spread through sexual contact or during childbirth. Gonococcal infections are 1.5 times more common in men than in women. They are seen most often in teens and young adults. Following are some of the risk factors for gonococcal infections:

What are the signs and symptoms of the infection?

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Gonorrhea that has spread to other parts of the body may cause a rash and fever. The person may have painful, swollen joints. Other symptoms are specific to the body part that is infected. An infection in the heart, for example, may cause heart valve problems.

Neonatal conjunctivitis is an eye infection in newborns that is usually caused by a gonococcal infection. Sometimes babies can develop abscesses in the scalp at the site of the fetal monitor. Babies can also have infections in other body organs.

How is the disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis of a gonococcal infection starts with a history and physical exam. The Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria can be cultured from infected body sites.

Testing for HIV and Treponema pallidum\ bacteria. Less often, syphilis is transmitted from a pregnant woman to her baby. This form of syphilis is known as \congenital syphilis.\ ',CAPTION,'Syphilis');" onmouseout="return nd();">syphilis should also be offered. These sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are more common in people with gonorrhea.

What can be done to prevent the disease?

Many cases of gonorrhea can be prevented by following safer sex guidelines. Prompt treatment of the infected person and sexual partners will prevent further spread. Pregnant women should be tested and treated for gonorrhea as needed. All newborns should receive preventive antibiotic eyedrops, such as erythromycin or gentamicin.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

Gonococcal infections can cause serious long-term effects if they are not treated effectively. These effects include the following:

What are the risks to others?

Gonococcal infections are very contagious. They are spread during sexual contact or childbirth.

What are the treatments for the disease?

Gonococcal infections are treated with antibiotics. These include cefixime, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin. Doxycycline might be added to treat Chlamydia trachomatis, a disease which commonly occurs along with gonorrhea. Pain medications can be used as needed. Infected individuals should avoid sexual contact until the infection is completely gone. Infections that involve other body organs will also need treatment.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Antibiotics may cause rash, stomach upset, and allergic reactions.

What happens after treatment for the disease?

Most people recover completely, if the gonococcal infection is treated effectively. Sexual partners should also be tested and treated for STDs.

How is the infection monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

Author:Danielle Zerr, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Ballenberg, Sally, BS
Edit Date:05/31/01
Reviewer:Barbara Mallari, RN, BSN, PHN
Date Reviewed:09/24/01