MEDLINEplus Health Information: Return to home page   A service of the National Library of Medicine: Go to NLM home page
Search     Advanced Search    Site Map    About MEDLINEplus    Home
Health Topics: conditions, diseases and wellness Drug Information: generic and brand name drugs Dictionaries: spellings and definitions of medical terms Directories: doctors, dentists and hospitals Other Resources: organizations, libraries, publications, MEDLINE

Medical Encyclopedia

Disease     Injury     Nutrition     Poison     Special     Surgery     Symptoms     Tests

Reproductive anatomy, female
 
Overview   Symptoms   Treatment   Prevention   

Gonorrhea - female

Alternative names:

clap disease

Symptoms:

Signs and tests:

This disease may also alter the following test results:

An immediate preliminary diagnosis of gonorrhea can be made at the time of examination. A cervical smear is taken, stained, and examined under the microscope. Neisseria gonorrhea organisms appear as two-at-a-time side by side (diplococci) red (Gram negative) spheres within the cells scraped from the cervix. The appearance of these Gram negative diplococci is sufficient for a presumptive diagnosis of gonorrhea.

Cultures provide absolute proof of infection. Neisseria gonorrhea organisms may grow in any tissue of the body. They can be easily cultured from most areas using standard culture techniques. In suspected cases of gonorrhea, cultures should be taken from the cervix, vagina, anus, urethra, or the throat (pharynx). Laboratories can give a preliminary diagnosis often within 24 hours and a confirmed diagnosis within 72 hours.


Adam

The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Copyright 2000 adam.com, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Health Topics | Drug Information | Dictionaries | Directories | Other Resources