Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the gram-negative diplococcus Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Symptoms of gonorrhea in women include vaginal discharge, dysuria, intermenstrual bleeding, dyspareunia and abdominal pain. In men, gonorrhea causes anterior urethritis.
Presentation
Eyes
Gonorrhea causes conjunctivitis. In neonates, it may cause visual defects and blindness called ophthalmia neonatorium [7].
Gastrointestinal tract
Gonorrhea may cause lower abdominal pain as well as pain in bowel movements.
Urogenital tract
Genitals are red, sometimes painful and swollen. There is a burning sensation in urinating and a greenish yellow or white discharge may be found from the vagina or penis.
Systemic symptoms
Heart
Although rare, if left untreated, gonorrhea may produce endocarditis and valvular dysfunction [6].
Skin
It may cause skin lesions and rash.
Central nervous system (CNS)
Gonorrhea may cause meningitis.
Musculoskeletal
It may cause an infection in the joints making them swollen and painful [2].
Complications
If left untreated, gonorrhea may lead to:
Males
- Septic arthritis
- Epidydimisitis
- Oligospermia
- Sterility
- Systemic defects involving the heart, brain and joints
Females
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Septic arthritis
- Septic abortion
- Infertility
- Ectopic pregnancies
- Systemic defects involving the heart, brain and joints
Entire Body System
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Fever
Tick-borne Rickettsia rickettsii Rocky Mountain spotted fever Rickettsia conorii Boutonneuse fever Rickettsia japonica Japanese spotted fever Rickettsia sibirica North Asian tick typhus Rickettsia australis Queensland tick typhus Rickettsia honei Flinders [en.wikipedia.org]
Symptoms may include fever, swelling, joint pain and stiffness, rash, and skin sores. [stanfordhealthcare.org]
You should seek medical attention if you feel sick, have a fever or pelvic pain, or experience pain during sex. [stdcheck.com]
Fever with abdominal pain, pelvic pain, and vaginal discharge can be symptoms of this disease. Men: Fever, discharge from the penis, and painful urination may signal an infection, especially involving inflammation of the testicles. [emedicinehealth.com]
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Chills
PID is characterized by pain in the pelvis and lower abdomen, as well as nausea, vomiting, fevers, chills, cramping, and a foul-smelling discharge. [verywellhealth.com]
HealthGrove This week the United Kingdom's top doctor penned a letter warning about the rise of " super gonorrhea ," and the chilling report has spread across the internet faster than, well, gonorrhea. [fusion.net]
You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy. You have questions or concerns about your condition or care. Care Agreement You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. [drugs.com]
It may also create flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, body aches, or fatigue. Complications in women include: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) — A serious infection that can lead to infertility, even in women who never have symptoms. [uvahealth.com]
Symptoms usually include chills, fever, joint pain or swelling, painful wrist and heel tendons, skin rash, and symptoms of meningitis (such as headaches, stiff and painful neck, vomiting, confusion and seizures). [stdcheck.com]
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Reiter Syndrome
These include pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside the womb), chronic pelvic pain, inflammation of the testicles and Reiter syndrome. Image Content Provider: CDC/ Dr. [gov.mb.ca]
Arthralgia, arthritis and tenosynovitis of the ankles, wrists, hands and feet ( Reiter's syndrome ). Meningitis, endocarditis or myocarditis, with risk of death or permanent sequelae (extremely rare). [patient.info]
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Malaise
Very rarely, the infection can settle in the heart and cause inflammation of the heart valves (endocarditis), manifesting with symptoms of malaise, fever, chills, and a heart murmur. [verywellhealth.com]
Respiratoric
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Sore Throat
[…] infection symptoms other than sore throat. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Symptoms Men Discharge from penis Pain or burning sensation when urinating Sore throat (if performing unprotected oral sex) Discharge in stools and rectal itching (if receiving unprotected anal sex) Men who have gonorrhea that is left untreated can result [dchealth.dc.gov]
Symptoms in men include: Burning and pain while urinating Increased urinary frequency or urgency Discharge from the penis (white, yellow, or green in color) Red or swollen opening of penis (urethra) Tender or swollen testicles Sore throat (gonococcal [web.archive.org]
throat Gonorrhea Symptoms in Women Most Common Silent or no symptoms Less Common Unusual, increased bloody yellowish or watery green vaginal discharge Painful urination Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding Inflamed eye Least Common Sore throat Pain during [stdcheck.com]
Greenish yellow or white coloured discharge from the penis Swollen, painful testicles Red, swollen genitals Sore throat (oral sex) Swollen glands in the throat (oral sex) Pain in defecation (anal sex) Itching and general discomfort around anus and genitals [symptoma.com]
Gastrointestinal
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Abdominal Pain
Gastrointestinal tract Gonorrhea may cause lower abdominal pain as well as pain in bowel movements. Urogenital tract Genitals are red, sometimes painful and swollen. [symptoma.com]
Side effects include nausea, mild abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Pregnant women should consult their physician before taking these drugs. A follow-up examination is recommended 3 to 5 days after completing treatment. [healthcommunities.com]
It can cause infertility, scarred fallopian tubes (a risk of tubal pregnancy in women) and chronic (long-lasting) abdominal pain. [drugs.com]
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Lower Abdominal Pain
Women may have lower abdominal pain, painful sex, increased vaginal discharge, or vaginal bleeding between periods. Neonates may get conjunctivitis or sepsis. Causes Anyone who is sexually active can be infected with Gonorrhea. [gov.mb.ca]
Women Discharge from vagina Lower abdominal pain Pain when urinating Sore throat (if performing unprotected oral sex) Symptoms often appear during periods Pain or discomfort during sex Discharge in stools and rectal itching (if receiving unprotected anal [dchealth.dc.gov]
Discharge from the penis, vagina, or anus Vaginal bleeding Painful urination Pain in the testicles Pelvic or lower abdominal pain Arthritis can be caused by gonorrheal infection. [jamanetwork.com]
Among these women, one in two of them will have abnormal (watery or creamy looking, blood like or even slightly green) vaginal discharge and a quarter of them will experience lower abdominal pain. [onlinedoctor.superdrug.com]
Other symptoms may include lower abdominal pain and sometimes pain during sex. Anus: You may notice abnormal discharge. You can also have generalized pain in the area. Throat: It is rare to have symptoms, but you might experience a sore throat. [bccdc.ca]
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Vomiting
Mild dose-related gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, loose stools, vomiting) were common but did not limit therapy. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Symptoms usually include chills, fever, joint pain or swelling, painful wrist and heel tendons, skin rash, and symptoms of meningitis (such as headaches, stiff and painful neck, vomiting, confusion and seizures). [stdcheck.com]
Gonorrhea Complications Untreated gonorrhea may cause: abdominal pain vomiting, fever sore throat (pharyngitis) arthritis skin lesions discharge from the eyes Anal and rectal itching, anal discharge, painful bowel movements, and painful anal sex also [healthcommunities.com]
Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome is gonococcal (or chlamydial) perihepatitis that occurs predominantly in women and causes right upper quadrant abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting, often mimicking biliary or hepatic disease. [msdmanuals.com]
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Nausea
Mild dose-related gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, loose stools, vomiting) were common but did not limit therapy. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Side effects include nausea, rash headache, itching, and pain and redness at the injection site. [healthcommunities.com]
If symptoms do occur in infected women, they may take the form of: An abnormal vaginal discharge Pain during urination An urge to urinate more than usual Pain during sexual intercourse Abdominal pain Spotting between periods Nausea and fever If symptoms [ameripath.com]
Symptoms in Women Most Common Silent or no symptoms Less Common Unusual, increased bloody yellowish or watery green vaginal discharge Painful urination Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding Inflamed eye Least Common Sore throat Pain during intercourse Fever Nausea [stdcheck.com]
[…] discharge that may be thin & watery or thick & yellow/green irritation or discharge from the anus abnormal vaginal bleeding possibly some low abdominal or pelvic tenderness pain or a burning sensation when passing urine low abdominal pain sometimes with nausea [std-gov.org]
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Rectal Pain
Gonorrhea Symptoms in Men Most Common Silent or no symptoms (50% of the time men do not show signs) Yellow-white, or green-white discharge from the penis Painful, frequent urination Rectal pain, discharge, or bleeding Inflamed eye Less Common Testicular [stdcheck.com]
If symptoms occur, they can include: Discharge from the vagina that is different than usual Bleeding between periods Yellow or green discharge (drip) from the penis Pain or bleeding during or after sex Pain during urination Constipation Rectal pain, bleeding [www1.nyc.gov]
Rectal pain or discharge can be a sign of infection of the prostate and is transmitted through anal intercourse. QUESTION Condoms are the best protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). [emedicinehealth.com]
Someone with gonorrhea may have: discharge from the vagina, penis, or anus in men, pain in testicles in women, vaginal bleeding between periods pain in the lower belly pain when peeing rectal pain, especially when having a bowel movement (pooping) Many [kidshealth.org]
Musculoskeletal
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Arthralgia
Patients with DGI may present with symptoms of rash, fever, arthralgias, migratory polyarthritis, septic arthritis, tendonitis, tenosynovitis, endocarditis, or meningitis. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Arthralgia, arthritis and tenosynovitis of the ankles, wrists, hands and feet ( Reiter's syndrome ). Meningitis, endocarditis or myocarditis, with risk of death or permanent sequelae (extremely rare). [patient.info]
Urogenital
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Vaginal Discharge
If you choose not to be treated for your infection, you may continue to have symptoms such as irregular bleeding and vaginal discharge. If left untreated, gonorrhea can spread into the rest of your reproductive organs. [chop.edu]
Symptoms of gonorrhea in women include vaginal discharge, dysuria, intermenstrual bleeding, dyspareunia and abdominal pain. In men, gonorrhea causes anterior urethritis. Eyes Gonorrhea causes conjunctivitis. [symptoma.com]
Women infected with gonorrhea often experience a burning sensation during urination, as well as unusual or discolored vaginal discharge. [news.vice.com]
If symptoms occur, they may include burning or frequent urination, yellowish vaginal discharge, redness and swelling of the genitals, and a burning or itching of the vaginal area. [medicinenet.com]
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Pelvic Pain
Advertisement Pelvic pain and pain in the testicles should start to improve quickly but may take up to two weeks to go away. If you have pelvic pain, pain during sex or other symptoms that do not improve, go back to your medical provider. [thebody.com]
Signs and symptoms Common symptoms include pelvic pain, greenish yellow or white discharge, swollen genitals and burning in urination. Treatment Treatment is antibiotics and a sex-free period till the disease is cured. [symptoma.com]
It may also lead to long-term pelvic pain. Males with untreated gonorrhea may develop a condition called epididymitis. This condition is characterized by inflammation of the tubes near the testicles that carry semen. [stanfordhealthcare.org]
Girls who have had a pelvic infection with gonorrhea are more likely to have a pregnancy in the tube (“ectopic pregnancy”) or pelvic pain. [youngwomenshealth.org]
In women, gonorrhea can lead to: pelvic inflammatory disease, a condition that can cause abscesses chronic pelvic pain infertility ectopic pregnancies - pregnancy where the embryo attaches outside of the uterus In men, a gonorrheal infection can lead [medicalnewstoday.com]
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Urethral Discharge
We present here a patient who presented with painful genital ulcers and urethral discharge simultaneously acquired from a single exposure, which turned out to be chancroid and gonorrhea, respectively. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Gram stain tests used to diagnose gonorrhea include: Gram stain of urethral discharge in men Joint fluid gram stain Cultures (cells that grow in a lab dish) provide absolute proof of infection. [web.archive.org]
When symptoms occur, urethral discharge and painful urination are typical of genital infections. Complications include pelvic inflammatory disease in women with a risk of infertility, or epididymitis in men. [doh.wa.gov]
This is called urethral discharge. Itching, burning or both when urinating (urethritis). Redness and swelling of the opening in the penis (the urethral meatus). A swollen penis. This is rare. [tompkinscountyny.gov]
However, since laboratory diagnostic tests are not available in many countries, diagnosis is often made based on the presence of symptoms such as vaginal and urethral discharge. [paho.org]
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Salpingitis
Ascending genital infection in women leads to the acute salpingitis, one of the most common causes of female infertility in the world. Acute epideidymitis, prostatitis and bacteremic infections are additional possible consequences. [worldcat.org]
In 10 to 20% of women, cervical infection ascends via the endometrium to the fallopian tubes (salpingitis) and pelvic peritoneum, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Chlamydiae or intestinal bacteria may also cause PID. [msdmanuals.com]
Sometimes gonorrhea spreads to the adnexa, causing salpingitis, or disseminates to skin and/or joints, causing skin lesions or septic arthritis. [merckmanuals.com]
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Dysuria
While urethral gonococcal infections in men usually present with penile discharge and dysuria, pharynx and rectal infections are often asymptomatic. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Gonorrheal epididymitis may be identified by dysuria, a foul-smelling discharge, painful ejaculation, and swollen lymph nodes in the groin. As with PID, the blockage of one or both tubes can lead to functional infertility. [verywellhealth.com]
Symptoms range from mild to severe and include dysuria and vaginal discharge. [msdmanuals.com]
Workup
The workup includes blood sampling for culture and sensitivity. A swab sample of fluids may be collected from the throat, cervix, vaginal canal and/or rectum in females and throat, penile urethra and/or rectum in males [10].
Laboratory tests
Gram staining: Gram staining may be done to check for the organism involved.
PCR: A Polymerase Chain Reaction test maybe done for more accurate results.
C/S: Culture and sensitivity of either blood samples, urine or swab samples may be done for accurate results.
If the test results come positive, treatment is immediately started.
Other STDs are also checked.
Treatment
Treatment is either oral or parenterally administered antibiotics. The common regime used these days is Ceftriaxone, Azithromycin and Doxycycline given in a combination to prevent reoccurrence as well as to treat other STDs like Chlamydia, if also present [8].
Prognosis
Gonorrhea is a curable disease but if it is not caught on early, it may show systemic effects like endocarditis, skin lesions or joint pain.
If treated with proper antibiotics, most commonly used are a Cephalosporin (Ceftriaxone) in combination with a macrolide (Azithromycin) and Doxycycline, the disease shows a positive response. Symptoms regress in just a few days of antibiotic treatment and completely disappear after some time. This 3-antibiotic regime is given to ensure reinfection may not occur as well as any other STD, like Chlamydia, may also be treated if present.
Etiology
The causative agent of this disease is the bean-shaped coffee coloured spherical bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoea that occurs as pairs, hence called diplococci. It is a facultative anaerobe and grows in abundance in moist, warm mucus membranes of the body. So when contracted, the bacterium quickly settles and multiplies in the vaginal canal, cervix, uterus and uterine tubes, penile urethra, rectum and/or oral cavity.
Transmission
This bacteria is transmitted in two major ways:
Sexual transmission
This is the most common mode of transmission. An individual may knowingly or unknowingly transmit the bacteria to his or her sexual partner by either oral, vaginal or anal sex [3]. Depending upon the kind of intercourse performed, the bacteria may start an infection in that area. For example, anal sex leads to development of gonorrhoea primarily in the rectum, oral sex leads to infection in the throat, etc.
Childbirth
A pregnant female may transmit this disease to her baby, particularly at the time of cord clamping, because an exchange of infected fluids may occur at that time. Or, the child may become infected when passing through the bacteria-laden birth canal during labor.
Myth
It is a common, but a completely wrong belief that gonorrhoea can be transmitted by using public toilets. This is a myth.
Epidemiology
Gonorrhea is the second most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States as well as the rest of the world. The most common is Chlamydia.
Race
African-Americans are known to be the most susceptible, and so majority of the cases of gonorrhoea are found in people of this race.
Age
Although gonorrhea can occur at any age; neonatally if transmitted from infected mother to baby, or post-puberty via unprotected sexual activity, it is most commonly found in young individuals ranging from 15 years to 25 years.
Sex
Gonorrhea occurs in both men and women, but females have a higher rate of incidence than men.
Incidence
According to the Centre of Disease Control, more than 800.000 people in the United States get gonorrhea each year. Worldwide, it is estimated by WHO that over 62 million cases occur annually.
Pathophysiology
As discussed above, by having unprotected sex with an infected individual, one can contract this disease. The invading bacteria have specialised surface proteins called Opa proteins that possess the capability to bind with immune complex receptors. Upon binding, they render the immune complexes nonfunctional and thus they colonise the mucus membranes of the body without any opposing mechanisms. Once settled, they begin multiplying and after an incubation period of 2-14 days, symptoms present [5].
Although some people remain symptomless at first, many develop characteristic signs. Such as:
Females
- Pain and burning sensation during micturation
- Greenish-yellow or white coloured vaginal discharge
- Spotting after sexual intercourse
- Bleeding between menstrual periods
- Lower abdominal and pelvic pain, sometimes mimicking pain of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Red, itchy eyes
- Red, swollen genitals
- Sore throat (oral sex)
- Swollen glands in the throat (oral sex)
- Pain in defecation (anal sex)
- Itching and general discomfort around anus and genitals
Males
- Pain and burning sensation during micturation.
- Greenish yellow or white coloured discharge from the penis
- Swollen, painful testicles
- Red, swollen genitals
- Sore throat (oral sex)
- Swollen glands in the throat (oral sex)
- Pain in defecation (anal sex)
- Itching and general discomfort around anus and genitals
In females, it presents with milder symptoms and can be confused with pelvic inflammatory disease or yeast infections. Once infection begins, it may spread via the bloodstream to different parts of the body and may cause systemic effects.
Prevention
Gonorrhea, like other STDs can be easily prevented. Preventive measures include [9]:
- Using latex condoms during intercourse
- Getting checked for STDs, at least once a year if sexually active
- Having only one sexual partner
Summary
Gonorrhea is a very common sexually transmitted disease that is caused by a bacterial infection. The culprit bacteria is Neisseria gonorrhoea.
The bacteria
N. gonorrhoea, or gonococcus, is a gram negative bacteria. It is a bean shaped diplococcus that is a facultative intracellular anaerobe. There are a total of 11 species of Neisseria known to have humans as a host, out of which only two are harmful to us. Many are a part of the normal flora of the body, except gonococci which cause gonorrhea and meningococci, which cause meningitis [1]. Easily cultured on chocolate agar, this bacteria can be easily isolated and tested.
N. gonorrhoea has special Opa proteins on its surface which bind to receptors present on the immune complexes making them non-functional [4]. This prevents both an immunological response by the host against the pathogen as well as the formation of immune memory of that particular invader.
The disease
Gonorrhea presents with characteristic symptoms in most cases, but in some patients it may be symptomless at first. The disease can occur in the throat, in the genitals and the rectum. However, gonorrhoea does have extra-urogenital manifestations which will be talked about in detail in later segments.
Patient Information
Definition
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoea.
Cause
It can be transmitted by having unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex with an infected partner. It can also be transmitted by infected mother to her baby during childbirth. In this case, early detection of the disease can protect the baby.
Signs and symptoms
Common symptoms include pelvic pain, greenish yellow or white discharge, swollen genitals and burning in urination.
Treatment
Treatment is antibiotics and a sex-free period till the disease is cured.
Prevention
It can be easily prevented by taking the right precautionary measures like using latex condoms during intercourse, screening and testing for STDs once a year and not having multiple sexual partners.
References
- Dawe RS, Sweeney G, Munro CS. A vesico-pustular rash and arthralgia. Clin Exp Dermatol. Jan 2001;26(1):113-4.
- Cucurull E, Espinoza LR. Gonococcal arthritis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. May 1998;24(2):305-22.
- Da Ros CT, Schmitt Cda S. Global epidemiology of sexually transmitted diseases. Asian J Androl. Jan 2008;10(1):110-4
- Stefanelli P. Emerging resistance in Neisseria meningitidis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. Feb 2011;9(2):237-44.
- Little JW. Gonorrhea: update. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. Feb 2006;101(2):137-43
- Kerle KK, Mascola JR, Miller TA. Disseminated gonococcal infection. Am Fam Physician. Jan 1992;45(1):209-14
- Lewis DA. Global resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae: when theory becomes reality. Curr Opin Infect Dis. Feb 2014;27(1):62-7
- Melville NA. Two new antibiotics show efficacy in gonorrhea treatment. Medscape Medical News [serial online]. July 16, 2013;Accessed July 22, 2013
- García PJ, Holmes KK, Cárcamo CP, et al. Prevention of sexually transmitted infections in urban communities (Peru PREVEN): a multicomponent community-randomised controlled trial. Lancet. Mar 24 2012;379(9821):1120-8
- Greer L, Wendel GD Jr. Rapid diagnostic methods in sexually transmitted infections. Infect Dis Clin North Am. Dec 2008;22(4):601-17