Understanding Gonorrhea: Symptoms, Transmission, and Treatment

Gonorrhea, commonly known as the tripper or gonococci, is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Although it primarily spreads through sexual intercourse, it can also affect individuals engaging in oral or anal activities. Additionally, gonorrhea can spread to the eyes and skin, making it essential to recognize its various forms and symptoms.

Non-Genital Forms of Gonorrhea

Proctitis

Proctitis, or inflammation of the rectum, can occur in both heterosexual and homosexual individuals engaging in anal sex. Symptoms may include irritation, pain during defecation, and a purulent yellow-green discharge from the anus. However, inflammation in this area can also be asymptomatic, sometimes leading to ulcers detected by rectoscopy.

Conjunctivitis

Gonococcal conjunctivitis can be transmitted from an infected mother to her child during childbirth. In adults, it often follows manifestations of gonococcal urethritis, resembling staphylococcal conjunctivitis.

Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis

This form of gonorrhea typically results from oral-genital contact. Symptoms include reddening of the tonsils and throat mucous membrane, which may be asymptomatic in some cases, increasing the risk of transmission through kissing.

Cutaneous Form

Also known as gonococcal chancre, this form presents as painless rash units on reddened skin, typically measuring 1-1.5 cm.

Disseminated Form

In severe cases, the infection can spread to other organs and systems through the blood, lymphatic system, or neighboring tissues. Symptoms may include joint inflammation (arthritis), skin rashes, kidney involvement, heart inflammation, and liver inflammation, among others. Disseminated gonorrhea commonly manifests as arthritis, particularly affecting the large joints of the lower limbs. Severe cases may lead to joint immobilization (ankylosis) and heart valve perforation, which can be diagnosed through blood cultures.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing gonorrhea involves microbiological cultures to isolate the causative agent. Treatment recommendations vary based on antibiotic resistance and susceptibility. Various antibiotic regimens, including single-dose administration or multiple-day courses, may be prescribed.