Pharmacy Clinical Pearl of the Day: Gonorrhea

Clinical Pearl of the Day: Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is an infection caused by a sexually transmitted bacterium that infects both males and females.

Insight:

• Gonorrhea most often affects the urethra, rectum, or throat. In females, gonorrhea can also infect the cervix.
• Gonorrhea is commonly spread during vaginal, oral, or anal sex; however, babies of infected mothers can subsequently be infected during childbirth. In babies, gonorrhea most commonly affects the eyes.
• Abstaining from sex, using a condom during sex, and being in a mutually monogamous relationship are the best ways to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
• Symptoms include painful urination, pain or swelling in the affected area, vaginal bleeding, and abdominal pain.
• Diagnosis includes urine test and swabs of the area.
• Treatment includes antibiotics such as ceftriaxone and zithromax, as well as gemifloxacin.

Sources:

Gonorrhea - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

gonnorrhea image - Bing images