Gonorrhea involves:
Bacterial Infection: Caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, primarily transmitted through sexual contact.
Attachment and Invasion: Bacteria attach to mucosal surfaces of the genitourinary tract (urethra, cervix, rectum, throat) and invade epithelial cells.
Inflammatory Response: Infection triggers an inflammatory response, leading to mucopurulent discharge and tissue damage.
Complications: Untreated gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI).
Clinical Evaluation
Symptoms: Assessment of symptoms such as genital discharge (white, yellow, or green), dysuria (painful urination), and pelvic pain.
Physical Examination: Examination findings may include inflammation of the genital mucosa, swollen lymph nodes, and complications such as abscesses.
Diagnostic Tests: Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) to detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae DNA in urine, urethral, cervical, or rectal swabs.
Genital discharge (white, yellow, or green) in males and females.
Dysuria (painful urination) and increased frequency of urination.
Pelvic or lower abdominal pain.
Rectal symptoms in cases of anal infection (discharge, pain, bleeding).
Throat infection symptoms (pharyngitis) if the throat is affected.
Treatment aims to eliminate the infection and prevent complications:
Antibiotic Therapy: Dual therapy with antibiotics such as ceftriaxone (intramuscular injection) plus azithromycin (oral) or doxycycline (oral).
Partner Treatment: Ensuring treatment of sexual partners to prevent reinfection.
Follow-Up: Repeat testing after treatment to confirm clearance of the infection.
Preventive Measures: Safe sexual practices including condom use, regular screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).