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 GONORRHEA

Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and any sexually active person can get infected.

It is caused by the Gram-negative bacterium, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which mainly infects the urogenital mucosa.

The bacterium adheres to mucous cells, enters them and proliferates. Then, it enters the subepithelial space where produces the infection. Structures in the bacterial surface, such as pili or fimbriae, and adhesins proteins, are important for the initial adhesion.

In women, the N. gonorrhoeae can be found in the reproductive tract (including Fallopian tubes, uterus, and cervix), and the infection may be asymptomatic.

An untreated gonococcal infection can cause acute pelvic inflammatory disease due to the colonization of the bacteria. It causes an inflammation of the uterus, Fallopian tubes, and abdominal cavity.

The lesions and the formation of scar tissue caused by untreated gonococcal infections may lead to infertility.

In men, the bacterium might cause scar tissue in the urethra, making it more difficult for urine to flow.