Neisseria Gonorrhoeae

The main features of genus Neisseria are – they are gram negative cocci , usually arranged in pairs ( diplococci) growing poorly on the simple media and pathogens to human body .

Morphology

1.. Shape and size – The Gonococcus is a spherical or oval coccus . The length is about 0.8 μ and breadth is about 0.6 μ . It is usually arranged in pairs . It resembles two beans side by side and there is small oval unstained area in between the two beans . Involution forms are frequently seen in culture .

2.. Non-flagellated , so non-motile .

3.. Non-sporing .

4.. Non-capsulated .

5.. Gram negative and stains easily with aniline dyes .

Diseases produced by Nisseria Gonorrhoea –

a)      Anterior urethritis – The littre’s gland and Cowper’s gland are inflamed and givee harbour to the organism .

b)      Posterior urethritis – Prostate will be inflamed ( Prostatitis ) .

c)      From prostate the organism may transverse → to seminal vesicle → epididymis → leads to acute epididymo-orchitis → chronic inflammation around the ducts of epididymis → ducts stenosed – communication between testis and vas deferens obliterated → sterility .( Gonococcal epuididymitis is the common cause of sterility ) . Epididymitis may occur as a result of lymphatic spread .

d)      Chronic inflammation persists in bulbous part of urethra and causes stricture urethra

e)      The gonococcus may enter into blood but septicaemia is rare and ulcerative endocarditis may be produced due to septicaemia . Gonococcal arthritis and gonorrheal iritis may be found .

B.. parthology of Gonoirrhoea in Female -  It may start either in urethra or in cervix . These may be formation of abscess in bartholin’s gland and skene’s gland .

    Genital complications-

a)      Vaginitis

b)      Bartholin’s abscess

c)      Cervicitis

d)      Endometritis

e)      Salpingitis

f)        Pyo-salpinx

g)      Hydro-salpinnx

h)      Oophoritis .

i)        Collection of pus between tube and ovary results- tubo-ovarian absess . This abscess may burst into pouch of Douglas resulting in pelvic abscess and pelvic peritonitis .

j)        Infection may spread directly to rectum in female and will cause procitis .

k)      Infection may spread along submucous lymphatics or through mucous membrane and reach bladder and will cause cystitis → then to ureter ( pyelitis and pyleonephritis ) .

l)        Sterility is more common female than in male .

m)    Abortion – Repeated abortion is a feature due to gonorrheal endometritis .