Manifestations of Gonorrhea and Chlamydial Infection

www.turner-white.com G onorrhea and chlamydia are the 2 most commonly reported bacterial sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States.1 Early diagnosis is an important challenge with both gonorrhea and chlamydia because most patients do not exhibit symptoms. Neisseria gonorrhoeae can infect mucosal surfaces, including the urethra, endocervix, pharynx, and rectum. Disseminated gonococcal infection can occur as well, leading to arthritis, tenosynovitis, and dermatitis. Chlamydia trachomatis infection in men can lead to urethritis, epididymitis, and prostatitis, while in women it can cause urethritis, cervicitis, and salpingitis. Women with N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis are more often asymptomatic and therefore are more likely to develop complications from untreated infection, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy, and infertility.2 This article discusses the genitourinary and extragenital manifestations of N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis infections and briefly outlines laboratory diagnosis and recommended treatment.