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Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a bacterium responsible for gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection that can be treated with antibiotics. Drug-resistant strains are a growing problem, and advanced infections may require treatment by specialists. The bacteria can spread and cause permanent damage if left untreated. Regular screenings are encouraged for sexually active people.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the bacterium responsible for gonorrhea, a worldwide sexually transmitted infection. Infections with this organism can be treated with antibiotics. Sometimes different drugs need to be tried to deal with a drug-resistant strain of this bacteria, a growing problem in regions where people don’t follow the instructions that come with their antibiotics. Treatment for infection with this organism may be supervised by a general practitioner, urologist or gynecologist. Advanced infections may require treatment by specialists.
These bacteria are roughly bean-shaped and usually found in pairs. They are gram negative and mobile, using a specialized hook called a pilus to pull themselves along surfaces. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a fussy organism that can be difficult to grow in culture and enters the body via mucous membranes found in the anus, mouth, respiratory tract, and female reproductive tract.
If a Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection goes untreated or does not respond to treatments, the bacteria can spread to other regions of the body. This can result in permanent damage, especially if a patient has a compromised immune system. Most commonly, gonorrhea is identified by pus-like discharge from the reproductive tract, difficulty urinating, itching or burning sensations, inflammation, and swelling. A culture can be done to identify the bacteria on the body.
When bacteria spread unchecked, they can enter your joints, causing arthritis. They can also penetrate the upper regions of the female reproductive tract, leading to pelvic inflammatory disease and potential infertility. Neisseria gonorrhoeae can also be found in the heart valves in highly advanced cases and can lead to severe skin lesions including tissue death.
In people with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the infection can be treated with antibiotic drugs to kill the microorganisms. Follow-up swabs may be done to confirm that the bacteria are no longer present so the patient can be cleared. It’s important to avoid sexual contact while you have an active gonorrhea infection and to pay attention to personal hygiene, because it’s possible to pass bacteria in areas such as bathrooms.
Sometimes there are no obvious signs and symptoms of gonorrhea. For this reason, sexually active people are strongly encouraged to be screened regularly for sexually transmitted infections. Many doctors offer these screenings during annual exams and can screen for a number of common infections at the same time. Doctors may recommend further tests depending on the type of sexual activity a patient engages in.
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