gonorrhoeae

Neisseria gonorrhoeae, commonly called gonococcus, is a Gram-negative diplococcus that causes the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea. It is oxidase-positive and typically ferments glucose but not maltose. The organism is human-restricted and colonizes mucosal surfaces of the urogenital tract, rectum, and pharynx. Transmission is primarily via sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex; perinatal transmission can occur at birth.

Clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic infection, especially in women, to urethral or vaginal discharge and dysuria in men and women. Without treatment, infection can spread to the upper genital tract causing pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, or ectopic pregnancy, and can disseminate to joints and skin.

Diagnosis relies on nucleic acid amplification tests from urine or swabs; culture methods with selective media may be used to assess antimicrobial susceptibility. Because of rising antimicrobial resistance, treatment guidelines favor ceftriaxone, usually given as an intramuscular dose, plus coverage for possible chlamydial coinfection with doxycycline or azithromycin according to local guidelines. Partners should be treated, and patients should be retested after treatment due to high reinfection risk. Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern, with historic resistance to penicillin, tetracycline, and fluoroquinolones, and emerging resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins in some areas. Prevention focuses on safe sex practices, regular screening of at-risk populations, condom use, and partner notification.