OsteopGonorrhea - Uncomplicated Anogenital Infectionorosis

Definition

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*, primarily affecting the urethra, cervix, rectum, and pharynx, leading to inflammation and mucosal infection.

Epidemiology

• One of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections globally
• Higher prevalence among sexually active adolescents and young adults
• More common in men for symptomatic urethral infection
• Incidence is higher in populations with multiple sexual partners or inconsistent condom use
• Co-infection with Chlamydia trachomatis is common
• Increasing rates of antimicrobial-resistant strains worldwide
• Significant public health concern due to potential complications if untreated

Etiology

• Infection by *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*, a gram-negative diplococcus
• Transmission via sexual contact (vaginal, anal, oral)
• Vertical transmission from mother to neonate during delivery (ophthalmia neonatorum)
• Co-factors: high-risk sexual behavior, multiple partners, prior STIs
• Mucosal colonization facilitated by bacterial pili and outer membrane proteins
• Host factors: impaired local immunity increases susceptibility
• Asymptomatic carriers contribute to ongoing transmission

Pathophysiology

• Attachment to epithelial cells via pili and surface proteins
• Invasion of mucosal epithelium, leading to local inflammation
• Recruitment of neutrophils and immune response causing purulent discharge
• Epithelial damage leading to symptoms such as dysuria or discharge
• Ascending infection in untreated cases may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease in women
• Inflammation may cause scarring, urethral strictures, or infertility
• Systemic spread is rare but possible in disseminated gonococcal infection