Neisseria gonorrheae

Neisseria GONORRHEAE (Gonococcus)

 

Characteristics:

Non-motile Gram-negative diplococci with fastidious growth requirements: capnophilics; Noncapsulated.

 

Diseases:

• Gonorrhea
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Salpingitis in females
• Ophthalmia neonatorum in infants

 

Transmission:

Human pathogens; no animal reservoir. This may be carried in genital tract, nasopharynx and anus. Spread by sexual or intimate contact.

 

Laboratory D1agnosis:

Sample Collection:

• Urethral discharge collected by calcium alginate swab
• Cervical swab from non-puerperal women

Transportation of sample:

Samples are transported in Amies transport medium.

 

Methods for identification of organism

 

 Direct methods:

1. Gram staining:
   • Gram-negative diplococcic with concave adjacent sides (kidney shape), seen intracellularly  in polymorphoneuclear cells.

2. Culture:
   • Culture media:
     • Chocolate agar,
     • Modified Thayer martin madium
   • Grow well at 37 c in moist atmosphere containing 5-10% co2

3. Biochemical reactions:
   • Oxidase test positive
   • Sugar fermentation test,
     • Glucose   –   Acid no gas
     • Maltose  –      No reaction
4. Antibiotic sensitivity test

Indirect methods:

• Direct fluroscent antibody test and
• Slide agglutination test