Infection: Neisseria gonorrhoea

Question 1

What is the classification of neisseria gonorrhoea?

Answer 1

Gram negative diplococci

Question 2

What is the mode of transmission of neisseria gonorrhoea?

Answer 2

Sexual contact

Question 3

Why is there no immunological memory against neisseria gonorrhoea?

Answer 3

The bacteria have Opa surface proteins which bind to receptors on immune cells are prevent an immune response, therefore there is non immunological memory.

Question 4

What are the symptoms of gonorrhoea?

Answer 4

10% of males and 80% of females are asymptomatic

• purulent discharge which can smell
• inflammation and swelling of the genitals
• dysuria

Question 5

What are the complications of gonorrhoea?

Answer 5

Males who have been infected with gonorrhoea have a significantly increased risk of prostate cancer

Women with untreated gonorrhoea can get pelvic inflammatory disease - where the bacteria spreads into the pelvic peritoneum. Can lead to infertility.

Question 6

What is the treatment of gonorrhoea?

Answer 6

Cephalosporin antibiotic eg ceftriaxone