Knowra Gonorrhea Gonorrhea Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can infect the reproductive tract, rectum, throat, and eyes, and may cause few or no symptoms.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae : A Gram-negative bacterium that causes gonorrhea and can infect human mucous membranes. This bacterium attaches to and invades mucosal surfaces, producing the infection.
Nucleic acid amplification test : A laboratory method that detects specific genetic material from a pathogen in a clinical specimen. NAATs are widely used to detect gonorrhea in urine and swabs from exposed sites.
Pelvic inflammatory disease : An infection of the upper female reproductive tract, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. Ascending gonorrhea can cause this condition, which may lead to chronic pain or infertility.
Chlamydia : A sexually transmitted infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, which can infect genital, rectal, and throat tissues. Chlamydia often resembles gonorrhea clinically and can occur at the same time, but has a different cause and treatment.
Gonorrhea vaccine research : Research seeking vaccines that prevent infection or reduce disease caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Frequent reinfection and evolving resistance make prevention through vaccination a major unmet need.
Sexual transmission : The spread of an infection through sexual contact involving genital, anal, or oral exposure. Gonorrhea spreads through contact with infected genital, rectal, or pharyngeal secretions.
Gonorrhea culture : A laboratory technique that grows Neisseria gonorrhoeae from a specimen for identification and susceptibility testing. Culture can reveal antibiotic susceptibility when treatment failure or resistance is suspected.
Epididymitis : Inflammation of the epididymis, the coiled tube behind the testicle that stores and transports sperm. Gonorrhea can cause epididymitis, often with unilateral testicular pain and swelling.
Trichomoniasis : A sexually transmitted infection caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Its genital symptoms can overlap with gonorrhea, but the organism and effective medicines differ.
Antibiotic stewardship : Coordinated efforts to use antibiotics appropriately and preserve their effectiveness. Careful prescribing and surveillance are needed to slow resistance in gonorrhea.
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