Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Gram Stain

• Gram negative diplococci (fastidious) 

Clinical Significance

This organism is associated with sexually transmitted infections including urethritis, epididymitis, orchitis, prostatitis, proctitis, cervicitis, salpingitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, Bartholin’s abscess, and pharyngitis.

In rare instances this organism can cause bacteremia (disseminated gonococcal infection - tenosynovitis, dermatitis, polyarthralgia syndrome), septic arthritis, endocarditis, and peritonitis.

Ophthalmic infections of neonates may occur during passage through birth canal.

Prepubertal girls get vaginitis rather than cervicitis.

Usual Susceptibility Pattern

Penicillin, tetracycline, cefixime, and quinolone resistance is widespread worldwide.

Ceftriaxone resistance is increasing.