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Gonococcal infections are caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. These infections are usually acquired through sexual contact. A gonococcal infection may also be passed from mother to baby during childbirth.
What is going on in the body?
Humans are the only host for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is spread from person to person through sexual contact. It can spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The bacteria can also be transmitted on contaminated fingers or sex toys. Gonococcal infections can also be spread from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.
The infection can affect any mucuous membrane. It is most common in the following locations:
# the eyes, especially in newborns
# the rectum
# the throat
# the urethra in men
# the vagina, cervix, and urethra in females
In women with gonorrhea, the bacteria can travel into the fallopian tubes and ovaries. The woman may develop pelvic inflammatory disease. Gonorrhea in males may spread to the testicles or the epididymis, which produces sperm.
Sometimes the bacteria can spread through the bloodstream to other areas of the body. The infection may spread to the abdomen, heart, joints, spinal cord, brain, and liver.
What are the causes and risks of the disease?
Gonococcal infections are caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. It is spread through sexual contact or during childbirth. Gonococcal infections are 1.5 times more common in men than in women. They are seen most often in teens and young adults. Following are some of the risk factors for gonococcal infections:
# child abuse
# childbirth in an infected, untreated mother
# multiple sexual partners
# unprotected sexual contact
# use of an intrauterine device, or IUD, for birth control
What are the treatments for the disease?
Gonococcal infections are treated with antibiotics. These include cefixime, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin. Doxycycline might be added to treat Chlamydia trachomatis, a disease which commonly occurs along with gonorrhea. Pain medications can be used as needed. Infected individuals should avoid sexual contact until the infection is completely gone. Infections that involve other body organs will also need treatment.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Antibiotics may cause rash, stomach upset, and allergic reactions.
What happens after treatment for the disease?
Most people recover completely, if the gonococcal infection is treated effectively. Sexual partners should also be tested and treated for STDs.
How is the infection monitored?
Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
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