Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infections

The Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a human pathogen which is efficiently transmitted during sexual intercourse and it is cause of different infections in specific anatomical sites in men and women. In both genders, some genital infections can be scarcely symptomatic, undertreated and cause of chronic inflammation of reproductive tract and infertility. Particularly in high-wealth countries, nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), more sensitive (≥90%) than culture, represent today the most appropriate method for the identification of N. gonorrhoeae in genital, rectal, pharyngeal, or other biological fluids. During the last decades, the emergence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates displaying resistance to antimicrobial agents is a major public health concern also considering the occurrence of untreatable gonococcal infections. Following the emergence of resistance to antimicrobial agents the guidelines for the antimicrobial treatment of N. gonorrhoeae infections have been reviewed and shared internationally. Clinical features of the large spectrum of N. gonorrhoeae infections in both gender were described, such as the new treatment recommended schemes also based on the use of combined drugs. Specific space to the evaluation of adherence to therapy, resolution of signs and symptoms and of partner management, was also dedicated.