Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a curable sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae. These bacteria can infect the genital tract, the mouth, and the rectum. In women, the opening to the womb from the birth canal is the first place of infection. The disease can spread into the womb and fallopian tubes, resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is a small obligate aerobe with flattened abutting sides. …

…States every year, only a fraction of these will be detected and treated. The infection is highest in certain geographical areas or populations. Rates are highest in the South and in large cities throughout the U.S.; rates are also higher among adolescents and minority populations. 80 percent of cases occur in ages 15 to 29. The highest are among males between 20 to 24 years, and among females between 15-19 years. It is predominantly spread through the heterosexual population.