|
|
Pharyngitis - Gonococcal
Alternate Names : Gonococcal Pharyngitis
DefinitionAn infection of the throat involving the tonsils and the larynx (pharynx) caused by a bacteria, Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Gonococcal pharyngitis is a sexually-transmitted disease. It is acquired through oral sex with an infected partner. The majority of throat infections caused by gonococci have no symptoms (asymptomatic).
When discomfort is present, it is generally mild. Symptoms involving the rest of the body normally are not present unless the person develops disseminated gonococcemia (wide-spread infection throughout the bloodstream).
Untreated gonorrhea may spread to other parts of the body, causing inflammation of the testes or prostate in men or pelvic inflammatory disease in women.
Gonococci in the throat are present in 10 to 20% of women who have gonorrhea. In homosexual men with gonorrhea, pharyngeal (throat) infection is present in 10 to 25%. Risk factors include recent exposure to gonorrhea, sexual activity with multiple partners, male homosexuality, and performing oral sex.
Almost 360,000 cases of gonorrhea were reported to the Centers for Disease Control in 2000. The incidence has remained steady for several years at 1 case per 1000 people.
Today's Top News Stories | • | Early Elective C-Sections Produce Complications - Jan 07, 2009, 17:00
Babies delivered at 37 weeks have double the troubles of those born at 39 weeks.
| • | Gene Governs Response to Leukemia Chemotherapy - Jan 07, 2009, 17:00
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is most common pediatric cancer. | • | Teen Birth Rate Up in 26 States in 2006 - Jan 07, 2009, 14:00
Highest rates in South, Southwest; lowest rates in Northeast, government reports. | • | Clinical Trials Update: Jan. 7, 2009 - Jan 07, 2009, 09:58
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD - Pediatric)
- Memory Loss
| • | Study of Everest Climbers Questions Oxygen Use - Jan 07, 2009, 17:00
Whether low levels would work for ER patients with hypoxia remains unclear. |
|
Jump to another section
• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Ectopic Pregnancy
• Epididymitis
• Gonococcal Arthritis
• Gonococcemia (Disseminated)
• Gonorrhea - Female
• Infertility
• Orchitis
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Tests & Exams
• Throat Swab Culture
Other Topics
• Asymptomatic
• Fever
• Headache
• Incidence
• Joint Pain
• Muscle Aches
• Nasal Congestion
• Nasal Discharge
• Neck Pain
• Sore Throat
• Swallowing Difficulty
• Swollen Glands
• Taste - Impaired
• Testes
Review Date : 6/5/2002
Reviewed By : Donna R. Cooper, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
|
