Curable sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Aetiology

• Gram negative intracellular diplococcus
• Transmitted through unprotected vaginal/oral/anal sex and can also be vertically transmitted from mother to child
• Highest incidence <25 years

Pathophysiology

• Primary sites of infection are the mucous membranes of the urethra, endocervix, rectum, and pharynx

Clinical presentation

Men

• Often asymptomatic
• Discharge
• Dysuria
• Tender inguinal nodes

Women

• Discharge
• Dysuria
• Abnormal bleeding

Investigations

• NAATs: screening test
  • Self-taken vulvovaginal swab in women or self-obtained first pass urine in men; self-obtained rectal swab; or clinician-obtained endocervical or penile swab
• Microscopy: if symptomatic