Gonorrhea natural history, complications, and prognosis: Difference between revisions

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*In in 70% of women, the Initial infection of ''[[Niesseria gonorrhea]]'' may be asymptomatic. However, the organism may cause a typical [[acute inflammatory reaction]] resulting frequently in a purulent exudate.   
*In in 70% of women, the Initial infection of ''[[Niesseria gonorrhea]]'' may be asymptomatic. However, the organism may cause a typical [[acute inflammatory reaction]] resulting frequently in a purulent exudate.   
*Initial infection is usually seen in the cervical region, but due to the presence of the surface pili, the infection may ascend through the uterus into the fallopian tubes and finally out into the [[peritoneal cavity]].  
*Initial infection is usually seen in the cervical region, but due to the presence of the surface pili, the infection may ascend through the uterus into the fallopian tubes and finally out into the [[peritoneal cavity]].  
If gonococcal infection left untreated, it can result in [[cyst]] and [[abscess]] formation in one or more of the [[greater vestibular gland]]s ([[bartholinitis]]), [[pelvic inflammatory disease|pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)]], and [[Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome]].
*If gonococcal infection left untreated, it can progress to [[fibrosis]]. The fibrosis can result in fallopian tube stricture, tubo-ovarian [[cyst]] or [[abscess]], [[pelvic inflammatory disease|pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)]], [[Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome|Perihepatitis (Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome)]],and bartholinitis.
* The most common complication of untreated gonorrhea is [[pelvic inflammatory disease|pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)]], a serious infection of the female reproductive tract.
* The most common complication of untreated gonorrhea is [[pelvic inflammatory disease|pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)]].
* PID caused by gonorrhea can lead to scarring of the [[fallopian tubes]]. Scarring of the fallopian tube can lead to increased risks of [[ectopic pregnancy]] and as a result [[Fertilization|fertilized]] [[Ovum|egg]] may not be able to pass through the narrowed, scarred fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancies are serious conditions which can be life-threatening to the mother.
* PID caused by gonorrhea can lead to scarring of the [[fallopian tubes]]. As a result of scarring and fibrosis of fallopian tube, the [[Fertilization|fertilized]] [[Ovum|egg]] may not be able to pass through the narrowed and scarred fallopian tube which may lead to increased risks of [[ectopic pregnancy]]. [[ectopic pregnancy|Ectopic pregnancies]] can be life-threatening to the mother.
'''Gonococcal infection in men'''
'''Gonococcal infection in men'''
* In men, untreated gonorrhea may result in inflammation of the epididymis ([[epididymitis]]), prostate gland ([[prostatitis]]) and urethral structure (urethritis).
*In men, untreated gonorrhea may result in inflammation of the epididymis ([[epididymitis]]), prostate gland ([[prostatitis]]) and urethral structure (urethritis).
===Disseminated gonococcal infection===
'''Disseminated gonococcal infection'''
* In both sexes, disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) can occur, leading to multiple distant sites of infection which can include the [[brain]], [[heart]] and [[joint]]s.
* In both sexes, disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) can occur. However, women are more likely to developed disseminated gonococcal infection than men
*Disseminated gonococcal infection is leading to multiple distant sites of infection which can include the [[brain]], [[heart]] and [[joint]]s.
* When joints become involved, gonococcal arthritis can develop.  Gonococcal arthritis occurs after primary infection of the genitalia, anus, or throat.  This occurs in about 1% of patients who are infected with gonorrhea and is more common in women than men.  
* When joints become involved, gonococcal arthritis can develop.  Gonococcal arthritis occurs after primary infection of the genitalia, anus, or throat.  This occurs in about 1% of patients who are infected with gonorrhea and is more common in women than men.  
* Typical symptoms include a 5–7 day history of fever, shaking, chills, multiple skin lesions, fleeting migratory [[arthralgia|polyarthralgias]] and [[tenosynovitis]] in fingers, wrists, toes or ankles.  This should be evaluated promptly with a culture of the [[synovial fluid]], blood, cervix, urethra, rectum, skin lesion fluid, or pharynx.
* Typical symptoms include a 5–7 day history of fever, shaking, chills, multiple skin lesions, fleeting migratory [[arthralgia|polyarthralgias]] and [[tenosynovitis]] in fingers, wrists, toes or ankles.  This should be evaluated promptly with a culture of the [[synovial fluid]], blood, cervix, urethra, rectum, skin lesion fluid, or pharynx.
allowing attachment to these surfaces. Adherence to the surface of [[spermatozoa]] allows transmission of the organism to the fallopian tube, the presumed mechanism of ascending infection. Initial infection may be asymptomatic, but the organism incites a typical acute inflammatory reaction resulting frequently in a purulent exudate. 
The clinical consequences of gonorrhea are due to classic pyogenic infection with resolution by fibrosis. Initial infection is usually seen in the cervical region, but due to the adherence to spermatozoa, the infection may ascend through the uterus into the fallopian tubes and finally out into the peritoneal cavity. A purulent vaginal discharge is often seen, but frequently the purulent material exudes from the fimbriated end of the fallopian tubes into the peritoneal cavity. Untreated infections may progress to fibrosis. The fibrotic reaction, depending on its location can lead to a variety of complications, such as urethral stricture, fallopian tube stricture, tubo-ovarian abscess, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. Peritonitis may present in PID and cause life threatening acute bowel obstruction.
It is important to treat the symptoms of gonorrhea as early as possible. When the infection is confined to the lower genital tract, it is much more responsive to antibiotic therapy. Once the infection ascends and becomes well established, it is difficult to deliver the needed concentrations of antibiotics and the infection is much more difficult to cure with drugs alone. This is due to the lack of blood flow in the walled off areas and is the reason that surgery often becomes necessary.
In pregnancy, gonococcus can be transmitted to the fetus at the time of delivery. This results in infection of the conjuctiva of the eye. This appears 1 to 4 days after birth as severe discharge with marked swelling and redness of the eyelids and conjunctiva. This can lead to corneal perforation and blindness. Diagnosis is made by gram stain of the exudate and culture
allowing attachment to these surfaces. Adherence to the surface of [[spermatozoa]] allows transmission of the organism to the fallopian tube, the presumed mechanism of ascending infection. Initial infection may be asymptomatic, but the organism incites a typical acute inflammatory reaction resulting frequently in a purulent exudate. 
The clinical consequences of gonorrhea are due to classic pyogenic infection with resolution by fibrosis. Initial infection is usually seen in the cervical region, but due to the adherence to spermatozoa, the infection may ascend through the uterus into the fallopian tubes and finally out into the peritoneal cavity. A purulent vaginal discharge is often seen, but frequently the purulent material exudes from the fimbriated end of the fallopian tubes into the peritoneal cavity. Untreated infections may progress to fibrosis. The fibrotic reaction, depending on its location can lead to a variety of complications, such as urethral stricture, fallopian tube stricture, tubo-ovarian abscess, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. Peritonitis may present in PID and cause life threatening acute bowel obstruction.
It is important to treat the symptoms of gonorrhea as early as possible. When the infection is confined to the lower genital tract, it is much more responsive to antibiotic therapy. Once the infection ascends and becomes well established, it is difficult to deliver the needed concentrations of antibiotics and the infection is much more difficult to cure with drugs alone. This is due to the lack of blood flow in the walled off areas and is the reason that surgery often becomes necessary.
In pregnancy, gonococcus can be transmitted to the fetus at the time of delivery. This results in infection of the conjuctiva of the eye. This appears 1 to 4 days after birth as severe discharge with marked swelling and redness of the eyelids and conjunctiva. This can lead to corneal perforation and blindness. Diagnosis is made by gram stain of the exudate and culture


allowing attachment to these surfaces. Adherence to the surface of [[spermatozoa]] allows transmission of the organism to the fallopian tube, the presumed mechanism of ascending infection. Initial infection may be asymptomatic, but the organism incites a typical acute inflammatory reaction resulting frequently in a purulent exudate.
*In the absence of adequate [[prophylaxis]], 30% to 42% of infants born by vaginal delivery to infected mothers will develop [[gonococcal]] conjunctivitis. Gonococcal conjunctivitis tends to occur 2-7 days after birth, and tends to be more severe than other causes of [[ophthalmia neonatorum]]. If left untreated, it may cause [[corneal]] involvement such as corneal [[ulceration]], diffuse opacification, and [[corneal perforation]] . This may lead to [[blindness]], ultimately [[sepsis]], or death. The onset of [[chlamydial]] conjunctivitis is usually later than [[gonococcal conjunctivitis]].<ref name="pmid25606121">{{cite journal| author=Mallika P, Asok T, Faisal H, Aziz S, Tan A, Intan G| title=Neonatal conjunctivitis - a review. | journal=Malays Fam Physician | year= 2008 | volume= 3 | issue= 2 | pages= 77-81 | pmid=25606121 | doi= | pmc=4170304 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=25606121  }} </ref><ref name="pmid24235191">{{cite journal| author=Matejcek A, Goldman RD| title=Treatment and prevention of ophthalmia neonatorum. | journal=Can Fam Physician | year= 2013 | volume= 59 | issue= 11 | pages= 1187-90 | pmid=24235191 | doi= | pmc=3828094 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=24235191  }} </ref><ref name="pmid3084664">{{cite journal| author=Fransen L, Nsanze H, Klauss V, Van der Stuyft P, D'Costa L, Brunham RC et al.| title=Ophthalmia neonatorum in Nairobi, Kenya: the roles of ''[[Neisseria gonorrhoeae]]'' and ''[[Chlamydia trachomatis]]''. | journal=J Infect Dis | year= 1986 | volume= 153 | issue= 5 | pages= 862-9 | pmid=3084664 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=3084664  }} </ref>
The clinical consequences of gonorrhea are due to classic pyogenic infection with resolution by fibrosis. Initial infection is usually seen in the cervical region, but due to the adherence to spermatozoa, the infection may ascend through the uterus into the fallopian tubes and finally out into the peritoneal cavity. A purulent vaginal discharge is often seen, but frequently the purulent material exudes from the fimbriated end of the fallopian tubes into the peritoneal cavity. Untreated infections may progress to fibrosis. The fibrotic reaction, depending on its location can lead to a variety of complications, such as urethral stricture, fallopian tube stricture, tubo-ovarian abscess, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. Peritonitis may present in PID and cause life threatening acute bowel obstruction.
It is important to treat the symptoms of gonorrhea as early as possible. When the infection is confined to the lower genital tract, it is much more responsive to antibiotic therapy. Once the infection ascends and becomes well established, it is difficult to deliver the needed concentrations of antibiotics and the infection is much more difficult to cure with drugs alone. This is due to the lack of blood flow in the walled off areas and is the reason that surgery often becomes necessary.
In pregnancy, gonococcus can be transmitted to the fetus at the time of delivery. This results in infection of the conjuctiva of the eye. This appears 1 to 4 days after birth as severe discharge with marked swelling and redness of the eyelids and conjunctiva. This can lead to corneal perforation and blindness. Diagnosis is made by gram stain of the exudate and culture


===Possible complications===
===Possible complications===
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*[[Sterility]] (inability to become [[pregnant]])
*[[Sterility]] (inability to become [[pregnant]])
*Painful [[intercourse]] ([[dyspareunia]])
*Painful [[intercourse]] ([[dyspareunia]])
*[[Pregnant]] women with severe [[gonorrhea]] may pass the [[disease]] to their baby while in the [[womb]] or during delivery


[[Complications]] in men may include:
[[Complications]] in men may include:
*[[Scarring]] or narrowing of the [[urethra]], the tube that carries [[urine]] out of the body
*Postinflammatory urethral strictures
*[[Abscess]] (collection of [[pus]] around the [[urethra]])
*[[Abscess]] (collection of [[pus]] around the [[urethra]])
*[[Lymphangitis|Penile lymphangitis]]
*penile edema
*[[Urination]] problems
*[[Urination]] problems
*[[Urinary tract infection]]
*[[Urinary tract infection]]

Revision as of 17:56, 12 September 2016

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Natural history, complications, and prognosis

Natural History

Gonococcal infection in women

Gonococcal infection in men

  • In men, untreated gonorrhea may result in inflammation of the epididymis (epididymitis), prostate gland (prostatitis) and urethral structure (urethritis).

Disseminated gonococcal infection

  • In both sexes, disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) can occur. However, women are more likely to developed disseminated gonococcal infection than men
  • Disseminated gonococcal infection is leading to multiple distant sites of infection which can include the brain, heart and joints.
  • When joints become involved, gonococcal arthritis can develop. Gonococcal arthritis occurs after primary infection of the genitalia, anus, or throat. This occurs in about 1% of patients who are infected with gonorrhea and is more common in women than men.
  • Typical symptoms include a 5–7 day history of fever, shaking, chills, multiple skin lesions, fleeting migratory polyarthralgias and tenosynovitis in fingers, wrists, toes or ankles. This should be evaluated promptly with a culture of the synovial fluid, blood, cervix, urethra, rectum, skin lesion fluid, or pharynx.

Possible complications

Complications in women may include:

Complications in men may include:

Complications in both men and women may include:

Prognosis

  • The underlying gonorrhea should be treated; if this is done, then usually a good prognosis will follow
  • A gonorrhea infection that has not spread to the bloodstream or other areas almost always can be cured with antibiotics. Gonorrhea that has spread is a more serious infection but almost always gets better with treatment

References

  1. Mallika P, Asok T, Faisal H, Aziz S, Tan A, Intan G (2008). "Neonatal conjunctivitis - a review". Malays Fam Physician. 3 (2): 77–81. PMC 4170304. PMID 25606121.
  2. Matejcek A, Goldman RD (2013). "Treatment and prevention of ophthalmia neonatorum". Can Fam Physician. 59 (11): 1187–90. PMC 3828094. PMID 24235191.
  3. Fransen L, Nsanze H, Klauss V, Van der Stuyft P, D'Costa L, Brunham RC; et al. (1986). "Ophthalmia neonatorum in Nairobi, Kenya: the roles of [[Neisseria gonorrhoeae]] and [[Chlamydia trachomatis]]". J Infect Dis. 153 (5): 862–9. PMID 3084664. URL–wikilink conflict (help)

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