Clinical Infections in Women

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Identify the preferred swab materials for specimen collection to avoid inhibition of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Dacron or rayon swabs.

How far should a swab be inserted into the anal canal for rectal culture?

4 to 5 cm.

What are two common symptoms of Epididymitis?

Dysuria and lower abdominal pain.

What percentage of patients with certain infections may be asymptomatic?

50%. Signup and view all the answers

List two potential complications of untreated Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).

Sterility and ectopic pregnancy. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Neisseria weaveri from other Neisseria species?

Neisseria weaveri is a commensal organism in the upper respiratory tract of dogs, while other Neisseria spp. are considered opportunistic pathogens. Signup and view all the answers

Why are confirmed cases of gonorrhea required to be reported to state health laboratories?

Confirmed cases must be reported as gonorrhea is a national reportable disease, allowing for better tracking and management of infection rates. Signup and view all the answers

What role do asymptomatic carriers play in the epidemiology of gonorrhea?

Asymptomatic carriers act as the primary reservoir for the disease, facilitating its transmission without showing symptoms. Signup and view all the answers

What environmental conditions affect the growth of fastidious organisms like Neisseria?

Fastidious organisms, including Neisseria, are sensitive to unfavorable environmental conditions and require specific nutrients, such as iron, for growth. Signup and view all the answers

Identify the demographic most affected by gonorrhea in the U.S.

The highest rates of gonorrhea infection occur in men and women between the ages of 20 and 24. Signup and view all the answers

What are the general characteristics that define most Neisseria species?

Most Neisseria species are aerobic, non-motile, non-spore forming, and Gram negative diplococci. Signup and view all the answers

Identify one major virulence factor of Neisseria meningitidis and explain its significance.

One major virulence factor of Neisseria meningitidis is its capsule, which helps evade the host immune system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary natural habitat of pathogenic Neisseria species?

The primary natural habitat of pathogenic Neisseria species is the mucous membranes of the respiratory and urogenital tracts. Signup and view all the answers

Name the primary human pathogen responsible for gonorrhea and specify its natural host.

The primary human pathogen responsible for gonorrhea is Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and its natural host is humans only. Signup and view all the answers

List two sites where Neisseria gonorrhoeae typically infects the human body.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae typically infects the urethra and the endocervix. Signup and view all the answers

What is the incubation period for gonococcal arthritis?

Approx. 2 to 7 days. Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary sites of acute pyogenic infection in gonorrhea?

Urogenital tract, pharynx, and conjunctiva of the eye. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common complication of gonorrhea in men?

Acute urethritis. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of women with genital gonorrhea infections may develop anorectal infections?

30% to 60%. Signup and view all the answers

What is ophthalmia neonatorum, and how can it be prevented?

It's a gonococcal eye infection in newborns, preventable with the application of erythromycin eye drops at birth. Signup and view all the answers

How often are gonococcal infections asymptomatic in men?

10% are asymptomatic. Signup and view all the answers

Name two possible symptoms of an anal canal infection resulting from gonorrhea.

Rectal pain and bloody stools. Signup and view all the answers

What risk is associated with untreated gonococcal infections in newborns?

If not treated immediately, newborn blindness can occur. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards are hidden until you start studying

Study Notes

Neisseria Overview

Neisseria are gram-negative diplococci, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore forming bacteria.
Most species are cytochrome oxidase positive and catalase negative, except certain subtypes.
Neisseria thrive in mucous membranes of respiratory and urogenital tracts, with some species being capnophilic.
Require iron for growth and are sensitive to unfavorable environmental conditions.

Pathogenic Neisseria Species

Primary human pathogens: Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the causative agent of gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection.
Neisseria meningitidis is known for causing meningitis; it has several virulence factors including a capsule, pili, and immunoglobulin A protease.

Virulence Factors

Neisseria species possess receptors for human transferrin and lipooligosaccharide (LOS) or endotoxin.
IgA protease cleaves IgA at mucosal surfaces aiding in evasion of the immune response.

Clinical Infections

Gonorrhea: Incubation period of approximately 2 to 7 days; can cause acute pyogenic infections in the urogenital tract, pharynx, and conjunctiva.
Commonly presented as acute urethritis and associated with symptoms such as dysuria and cervical discharge.

Epidemiology

Most transmission occurs through sexual contact; asymptomatic carriers are a primary reservoir.
Highest infection rates are observed in individuals aged 20-24.
Gonorrhea is the second most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the U.S., following Chlamydia trachomatis.

Clinical Manifestations

In Men: Acute urethritis occurs in about 90% of infected men; 10% may remain asymptomatic. Complications can include prostatitis and epididymitis.
In Women: 50% of infections are asymptomatic. Symptoms may manifest as dysuria, cervical discharge, and lower abdominal pain. Complications include pelvic inflammatory disease and ectopic pregnancy.

Disease in Newborns

Ophthalmia neonatorum, a gonococcal eye infection, can occur during vaginal delivery if the mother is infected; it can lead to blindness if untreated.
Prophylactic eye drops (erythromycin) are critical for all infants at birth.

Specimen Collection and Transport

For rectal cultures, swabs should be inserted 4 to 5 cm into the anal canal.
Preferred swab materials include Dacron or rayon; avoid calcium alginate and cotton swabs due to inhibitory effects on N. gonorrhoeae.
Immediate notification of pending Neisseria samples to the laboratory is recommended for timely diagnostics.