Disseminated gonococcal infection in women

Abstract

A high index of suspicion is critical in the prevention of serious complications of gonorrheal infection. This article reviews published information regarding the pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of gonorrhea. MEDLINE was used to search the literature for articles and studies that have a bearing on these issues. Keywords used were disseminated gonococcal infection; septic arthritis; gonorrhea and pregnancy; and gonorrhea and pathophysiology. We conclude that disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) should be in the differential diagnosis of any sexually active patient who presents with arthritis, dermatitis, and/or tenosynovitis. Although the incidence of DGI has declined in recent years, it still is the most common cause of newly diagnosed arthritis requiring hospitalization. Careful culturing of every site that could be infected is imperative to aid in diagnosis and treatment. Prompt therapy with appropriate antibiotics such as ceftriaxone will prevent the more serious complications of DGI.