The spelling of the medical term "Neisseria Gonorrhoeae" can be difficult to remember. This is because it is derived from Latin and Greek roots, and uses phonetic symbols to represent the sounds that can be difficult to pronounce. According to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the correct pronunciation of the word is /ˌnaɪsɪəriə ɡɒnəriˈiː/. This is characterized by the nasal 'n' sound at the beginning, the long 'o' sound in "gonorrhoeae", and the short 'a' sound in "Neisseria." Remembering this phonetic transcription can help healthcare professionals discuss the common sexually transmitted disease caused by this bacterium.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a Gram-negative diplococcus bacterium that is responsible for the sexually transmitted infection known as gonorrhea. It is a highly contagious pathogen, primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
The bacterium is named after the German physician Albert Neisser, who discovered it in 1879. It is characterized by its kidney-shaped appearance when observed under a microscope, arranged in pairs due to its diplococcal nature.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae primarily infects the mucous membranes of the urethra in males and the cervix in females, but it can also affect other parts of the reproductive system, rectum, throat, and eyes. In some cases, it can spread to other parts of the body, leading to more severe complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women or epididymitis in men.
Symptoms of a gonorrhea infection include painful urination, increased vaginal discharge, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and in men, discharge from the penis. However, it is important to note that some individuals may not experience any noticeable symptoms.
Treatment for Neisseria gonorrhoeae usually involves antibiotics, but due to the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains, treatment options may vary. It is crucial to detect and treat gonorrhea promptly to prevent the spread of the infection and minimize potential complications. Safer sexual practices, including condom use and regular screening for sexually transmitted infections, can also help prevent the transmission of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
The gonococcus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Neisseria" comes from the name of the German bacteriologist Albert Neisser, who first identified and described the Neisseria genus, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Neisseria is a tribute to his contributions to the field of microbiology.
The term "gonorrhoeae" refers to the disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, commonly known as gonorrhea. The word "gonorrhoeae" is of Greek origin, combining "gonos" meaning seed or semen, and "rhoia" meaning flow or discharge. This term was used to describe the genital discharge associated with the infection.