Neisseria gonorrhoeae

N. gonorrhoeae morphology

Gram (-) oval bacterium

Typically in pairs/diplococci

N. gonorrhoeae characteristics

Gram (-)

Nonmotile

Non-spore forming

Obligate aerobe

N. gonorrhoeae special medium

Thayer-Martin Agar

N. gonorrhoeae virulence factors

Pili - attachment and genetic transfer

Toxins - IgA protease

Proteins - porin, pilC, OPA, IgA protease, reduction-modifiable protein

Lipopolysaccharide

Sialylation - hides LOS antigen

Porin protein fxn

Reduction-modifiable protein fxn

Porin: prevents phagosome & lysosome fusion

R-M protein/protein 3: protects cell from bactericidal Ab - why there is no immunity to the agent

N. gonorrhoeae BCM tests

Non-maltose fermenter: stays red; differentiates it from N. meningitidis

Catalase +

Oxidase +

Gonorrhoeae can cause this syndrome

Fitz-Hugh-Curtis: inflammation of peritoneum, subsequently affects Glisson’s capsule causing violin string adhesions

Diagnosis of N. gonorrhoeae

Vaginal/Urethral swab - pink, coffee bean shaped bacteria INSIDE neutrophils

TM agar growth

NAAT

N. gonorrhoeae tx

Ceftriaxone: first line

Combine w Azithromycin or doxycycline for associated chlamydia

Prevention: protection