[3] Gonorrhoea Flashcards
What is gonorrhoea?
A sexually transmitted infection caused the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoea
What type of bacteria is Neisseria gonorrhoea?
A gram -ve diplococcus
What does Neisseria gonorrhoea infect?
The mucous membranes of the urethra, endocervix, rectum, pharynx and conjunctiva
What parts of the body can be affected by gonorrhoea?
- Genitals
- Mouth
- Rectum
How does gonorrhoea spread?
By direct inoculation of infected secretions from one mucous membrane to another
When can gonorrhoea be transmitted?
Usually sexually but can occur perinatally
What is the incubation period of gonorrhoea?
2-5 days but can be up to 10
How many cases of gonorrhoea were diagnosed in England in 2017?
44,000
Which group of people have a disproportionate increase in gonorrhoea cases?
MSM
What is thought to have caused the increase in cases of gonorrhoea?
- More young men coming forward for testing
- Increasing unsafe sex
Where is gonorrhoea more common?
URban areas
What are the risk factors for gonorrhoea?
- Young age
- History of previous STI
- Co-existent STI
- New or multiple sexual partners
- Recent sexual activity abroad
- Certain sexual activities
- Inconsistent condom use
- History of drug use or commercial sex work
What sexual activities are particularly risky for gonorrhoea transmission?
- Anal intercourse
- Frequent insertive oral sex
Which sex is gonorrhoea more commonly symptomatic in?
Men (90-95%)
What percentage of women with gonorrhoea are symptomatic?
50%
What do symptoms of gonorrhoea depend on?
The site of infection
What are the symptoms of urethral gonorrhoea infection in men?
- Discharge
- Dysuria
- Asymptomatic in <10% of cases
What are the symptoms of rectal gonorrhoea infection in men?
- Usually asymptomatic
- Anal discharge
- Perianal/anal pain
- Pruritis
- Bleeding