Gonorrea

Gonorrea, known in English as gonorrhea, is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Infections can involve the genitourinary tract, rectum, and throat, and may occur in people of all genders. Transmission occurs through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. It can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. Complications are more likely with untreated infection.

Many infections are asymptomatic, especially in women. When symptoms occur, they may include burning during urination, increased discharge, or irritation at the infection site. Pharyngeal and rectal infections can be asymptomatic or cause throat or rectal discomfort.

If untreated, gonorrhea can spread to the uterus and upper reproductive tract, causing pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, or ectopic pregnancy. In men it can cause epididymitis. In rare cases, the infection disseminates to joints, skin, or other organs.

Diagnosis is usually made with nucleic acid amplification tests on urine or swab specimens from the affected site. Testing for other sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, HIV, or syphilis, is commonly performed concurrently.

Treatment typically involves an injection of ceftriaxone, with additional therapy for possible chlamydia infection (commonly doxycycline). Because of growing antibiotic resistance, azithromycin is no longer routinely used in first-line therapy in many guidelines. Treatment should follow current local guidelines, and all sexual partners within a recent period should be informed and treated if indicated.

Prevention focuses on safe sex practices, including consistent condom use, regular screening for sexually active individuals at risk, and prompt testing after exposure. There is no widely available vaccine.

Gonorrhea remains a common infection worldwide. Surveillance documents rising antibiotic resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, underscoring the importance of diagnosis, appropriate treatment, contact tracing, and public health measures.