Gonococcus
Gonococcus
Gonococcus (pronounced: goh-noh-KOK-us), also known as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is a species of gram-negative diplococci bacteria responsible for the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea.
Etymology
The term "Gonococcus" is derived from the Greek words "gonos" meaning seed and "kokkos" meaning berry. It was named by Albert Neisser in 1879, who discovered it as the causative agent of gonorrhea.
Description
Gonococcus is a fastidious organism, which means it requires specific nutrients to grow that are not found in most common media. It is oxidase positive and grows best in a warm, moist environment. The bacteria are usually found inside human cells and are known for their ability to evade the immune system.
Pathogenesis
Gonococcus is the causative agent of gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection that affects both men and women. The bacteria primarily infect the mucous membranes of the urethra, cervix, rectum, and throat. In women, the infection can spread to the upper reproductive tract and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancy.
Treatment
Treatment for gonococcal infection typically involves antibiotics. However, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of Gonococcus has become a significant public health concern.
Related Terms
- Gonorrhea: A sexually transmitted infection caused by the Gonococcus bacteria.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): A complication of gonorrhea in women that can lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancy.
- Neisseria: The genus of bacteria to which Gonococcus belongs.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Gonococcus
- Wikipedia's article - Gonococcus
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