Gonorrhea causes
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Gonorrhea (gonorrhoea in British English) is amongst the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world and is caused by Gram-negative bacterium Neisseria gonorrheae. The term comes from Ancient Greek γονόρροια (gonórrhoia), literally "flow of seed"; in ancient times it was incorrectly believed that the pus discharge associated with the disease contained semen.[1]
What causes Gonorrhea?
Gonorrhea is caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Anyone who has any type of sex can catch gonorrhea. The infection can be spread by contact with the mouth, vagina, penis, or anus. The bacteria grow in warm, moist areas of the body, including the tube that carries urine out of the body (urethra). In women, the bacteria may be found in the reproductive tract (which includes the fallopian tubes, uterus, and cervix). The bacteria can even grow in the eyes. Health care providers in every state in the U.S. are required by law to tell their State Board of Health about anyone diagnosed with gonorrhea. The goal of this law is to make sure the patient gets proper follow-up care and that their sexual partners are found and tested.
Gallery
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![Enhanced by using a fluorescent antibody staining technique, this photomicrograph reveals the presence of Gram-negative Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria, accompanied by a number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), or white blood cells (WBC) known as neutrophils. The congregation of these PMNs is in response to the gonococcal infection, and in large quantities is known as pus. From Public Health Image Library (PHIL). [2]](/images/0/00/Gonorrhea10.jpeg)
Enhanced by using a fluorescent antibody staining technique, this photomicrograph reveals the presence of Gram-negative Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria, accompanied by a number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), or white blood cells (WBC) known as neutrophils. The congregation of these PMNs is in response to the gonococcal infection, and in large quantities is known as pus. From Public Health Image Library (PHIL). [2]
![Enhanced by using a fluorescent antibody staining technique, this photomicrograph reveals the presence of Gram-negative Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria, accompanied by a number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), or white blood cells (WBC) known as neutrophils. The congregation of these PMNs is in response to the gonococcal infection, and in large quantities is known as pus. From Public Health Image Library (PHIL). [2]](/index.php/File:Gonorrhea10.jpeg)