Gonococcemia

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Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Gonococcemia
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Synonyms	Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI)
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Fever, arthralgia, skin rash, tenosynovitis
Complications	Septic arthritis, endocarditis, meningitis
Onset	Sudden
Duration	Variable
Types	N/A
Causes	Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Risks	Sexually transmitted infection, immunocompromised state
Diagnosis	Blood culture, synovial fluid analysis, PCR
Differential diagnosis	Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, reactive arthritis
Prevention	Safe sex practices, screening and treatment of gonorrhea
Treatment	Antibiotics such as ceftriaxone
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Good with treatment
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Gonococcal lesion on the skin

Wild type Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Gonococcemia is a medical condition caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is characterized by the presence of gonococci in the bloodstream, leading to various systemic symptoms.

Symptoms

The symptoms of gonococcemia can vary, but often include fever, joint pain, and skin lesions. These symptoms are often accompanied by the signs of a gonorrhea infection, such as painful urination and abnormal genital discharge.

Causes

Gonococcemia is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is also responsible for the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea. The bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the mucous membranes of the genitals, rectum, or throat.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of gonococcemia is typically made through a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory testing. Blood cultures may be used to identify the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the bloodstream.

Treatment

Treatment for gonococcemia typically involves antibiotics to clear the infection. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.

Prevention

Prevention of gonococcemia involves practicing safe sex, including the use of condoms, and regular testing for sexually transmitted infections.

See also

• Gonorrhea
• Sexually transmitted infection
• Neisseria gonorrhoeae