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What is Neisseria gonorrhoeae?
- Bacteria
- Gram-negative diplococci
- Causes Gonorrhea
- Common in sexually active young adults
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Morphology of Neisseria gonorrhoeae?
- Diplococci shape
- Stained by Gram stain
- Size: 0.6-1.0 micron in diameter
- Has a polysaccharide capsule
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Pathogenesis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae? → Invasion of mucosal cells → Adhesion of bacteria to epithelial cells → Activation of inflammatory response → Production of enzymes and toxins → Destruction of epithelial cells and mucosal tissue
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Clinical features of Neisseria gonorrhoeae?
- Urethritis (in males)
- Cervicitis (in females)
- Discharge and pain during urination
- Inflammation of the pelvic organs
- In rare cases, can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in females
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Complications of Neisseria gonorrhoeae?
- PID in females
- Epididymitis in males
- Ophthalmia neonatorum in newborns
- Disseminated gonorrhea in immunocompromised individuals
- Infertility
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Laboratory diagnosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae? → Gram stain → Culture on selective media (Thayer-Martin agar) → Rapid antigen tests (RAT) → DNA-based tests (PCR) → Serological tests (not commonly used due to high false-positive rate)
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Management of Neisseria gonorrhoeae? → Antibiotics (ceftriaxone, cefixime, azithromycin) → Partner treatment → Follow-up to monitor for complications
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Memory trick for the pathogenesis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae? "Invasion and adhesion lead to inflammation and destruction"
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Word trick to remember the life cycle of Neisseria gonorrhoeae? "Infects, invades, destroys, and disseminates"