Gonococcal Disease

Basics

Description

  • Second most frequently reported sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the U.S.:
    • Estimated 820,000 new cases per year
    • <50% reported
    • Highest rates in 15–24-yr-old males and females, as well as African Americans
    • Increasing incidence in men who have sex with men (MSM):
      • Higher in HIV-positive individuals
    • Humans only known host
  • Concurrent infection with Chlamydia trachomatis is common
  • Affects the urethra, rectum, cervical canal, pharynx, upper female genital tract, and conjunctiva
  • Urethritis most common presentation in men
  • Often asymptomatic in women

Etiology

Neisseria gonorrhoeae:
  • Gram-negative aerobic diplococci

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