The Gonorrhea Disease: A Sexually Transmitted Disease

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The leading cause of the disease Gonorrhea is the proliferation of the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, also known as gonococci or gonococcus. This bacterium is a gram-negative diplococcus, meaning it has a thin peptidogylcan layer in its cell wall and it is spherical in shape and found in pairs. The organism is usually found in the cell in a phagocytic leukocyte, with various nuclei shapes. Because the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae is found within a phagocytic white blood cell, it is unknown whether or not the bacteria is in the process of being killed or if they survive indefinitely. Neisseria gonorrhoeae is reported and notified as one of the most common bacterium affecting the reproductive system in humans. While Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease, it is not limited to only the reproductive system, for it can infect other areas of the human body.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae possess a typical gram negative outer membrane that is composed of proteins, a thin layer of peptidoglycan, phospholipids, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The bacterium has fimbriae, which are finger like projections extending several micrometers from its cell surface and is thinner than a flagellum. They play a major role in adherence to the mucus membrane of its host and as virulence factors, mediate infection of the host cells. As mentioned above, Neisseria gonorrhoeae is diplococcus, meaning it is paired and spherical-shaped. It is non-sporing and has a twitching motility. This twitching motility enables the bacterium to form biofilms. Biofilms is defined as a complex collection of microbes and it can be either benefical or harmful. During growth, Neisseria gonorrhoeae releases resolvable fragments of peptidoglycan. These molecules are implicated in ...

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...and constant intake of antibiotics and preventative treatments because bacterial resistance has appeared. Practicing abstinence is the surest most effective way to prevent gonorrhea along with other sexual transmitted diseases. However, if one chooses to engage in sexual activities, a condom should be worn during any type of sexual contact, including anal, oral, or vaginal sex. The condom functions as a barrier to reduce the chances of spreading sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and pregnancy. Other preventative methods include asking your partner to be tested for any sexually transmitted infection and refrain from engaging in sex with partners who has experienced or is experiencing signs or symptoms related to a sexually transmitted disease. It is also important for both partners to be treated for Gonorrhea to decrease reinfection and further incidences.

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