Gonococcemia (disseminated)

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Circulatory system

Gonococcemia (disseminated) is a sexually-transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which spreads from the initial site of infection through the bloodstream to other parts of the body.

Gonococcal bacteremia

Gonorrhea is one of the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infectious diseases. It is transmitted through vaginal, oral, and anal intercourse. An infected woman may also transmit the infection to her newborn during childbirth. Gonorrhea in children older than newborns is almost always a sign of sexual abuse.

Gonorrhea is most prevalent in those 15-29 years old who live in high-density urban areas. Multiple unprotected sexual partners is a risk factor.

Disseminated gonococcemia generally follows the primary genital infection with gonorrhea by several days to 2 weeks. The infection spreads from the primary site through the bloodstream. Newborns are at increased risk for disseminated gonorrhea.

Review Date: 06/15/2005
Reviewed By: Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.