Sexually Transmitted Infections: Gonorrhea

Vocabulary flashcards covering the history, causative agent, symptoms, complications, historical treatments, resistance, prevention, and epidemiology of gonorrhea based on lecture notes.

STI

An acronym for Sexually Transmitted Infection, which is the preferred term over STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease).

Gonorrhea

A common sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

The Clap

A historical nickname for gonorrhea, whose origin is hypothesized to be from the French word 'clapierre' (brothel), a brothel owner named Margaret Clapp, or from symptomology like a painful 'clap' sensation.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

The gram-negative bacterial agent responsible for causing gonorrhea.

Fimbriae (Gonorrhea)

Hair-like structures on Neisseria gonorrhoeae that are essential for attachment to host cells and produce OPA proteins.

OPA Proteins

Proteins produced by the fimbriae of Neisseria gonorrhoeae that assist in bacterial attachment.

Diplococci

The typical structural arrangement of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, where two spherical bacteria are basically joined together.

Gonorrhea Infection Sites

Beyond the reproductive organs, gonorrhea can infect other areas like the anus, throat, and eyes due to similar cell types.

Male Gonorrhea Symptoms

Can include painful urination (a painful sting in the urethra), discharge from the urethra, and potential long-term male factor infertility due to epididymitis.

Female Gonorrhea Symptoms

Often mild or asymptomatic, but can include burning with urination, changes in vaginal discharge, or irregular bleeding between menstrual cycles. Can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

A severe disease that can develop from untreated STIs like gonorrhea in females, potentially leading to infertility.

Penicillin (Gonorrhea Treatment)

An antibiotic that was historically very effective against gonorrhea, but the bacteria have since developed widespread resistance.

Penicillin Resistance (Gonorrhea)

The ability of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to withstand the effects of penicillin, rendering the antibiotic ineffective for current treatment.

Neonatal Gonorrhea (Ophthalmia Neonatorum)

Gonorrhea transmitted from a mother to her newborn during birth, which can cause severe conjunctivitis in the infant's eyes, potentially leading to blindness.

Prevention of Neonatal Ophthalmia

The standard practice of applying antibiotic ointment (or historically silver nitrate) to a newborn's eyes immediately after birth.

Gonorrhea Prevention

Methods include abstinence from sex, correct and consistent use of latex condoms, and being in a long-term monogamous relationship where both partners have been tested.

Gonorrhea Incidence (US)

Approximately 300,000 new cases are reported annually in the US, with a significant proportion (three-quarters) occurring in younger adults, and incidence is currently believed to be rising.