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gonorrhea
(gon″o-reŽә)
one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Characteristically, the bacteria attacks the mucous membranes of the genital and urinary organs, producing inflammation and
pus. Pharyngitis and proctitis can occur in persons who have orogenital or anogenital contact with an infected partner; these may have no symptoms at first
but cause severe complications if left untreated. Many males and possibly a majority of females who are infected with genital
gonorrhea show no symptoms. Early symptoms in men may include inflammation, painful burning during urination, and discharge
of white fluid from the penis. An infected woman may feel no pain, or may have pain in the lower abdomen, with or without
a burning sensation during urination and a white discharge from the vagina. Untreated gonorrhea can cause internal inflammation
and sterility in either sex. adj., gonorrheŽal., adj.
Copyright 2007. An Elsevier publication. All rights reserved.
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