Species are sensitive to drying and extremes of temperature, and material must be cultured promptly to enhance recovery
Pus and secretions are taken from the urethra, cervix, rectum, conjunctiva, throat, or synovial fluid for culture and smear
Blood culture is necessary in systemic illness
N. gonorrhea and meningitidis are sensitive to sodiumpolyanetholsulfonate (SPS), the preservative typically found in blood culture broths - SPS content should not exceed 0.025%
Incubated at 35° to 37°C for 72 hours in a CO2-enriched (3 to 7%), humid atmosphere
Achieved using a CANDLE JAR, CO2 generating pouch and CO2 incubator
Humidity can be provided by placing a pan with water in the bottom of a CO2 incubator or by placing a sterile gauze pad soaked with sterile water in the bottom of a candle jar
Use of preexposure antibiotics to prevent gonococcal disease is discouraged because of the potential risks of sensitization and the emergence of resistant strains
Erythromycin ointment to the eyes of newborns to prevent gonococcal (and chlamydial) ophthalmia
Pili facilitate attachment to mucosal epithelial cells and invasion to the submucosa
Capsule is antiphagocytic and has 9 serogroups (A, B, C, D, X, Y, Z, W135, and 29E)
Endotoxin (LPS) causes blood vessel destruction (hemorrhage) and sepsis, seen on the skin as petechiae
Cellular proteins similar to N. gonorrhoeae include Opa, two porin proteins (PorA and PorB), and IgA protease which degrades membrane associatedIgA, increasing the host's susceptibility to invasion
Involves septic shock, bilateral hemorrhage into the adrenal glands causing adrenal insufficiency, abrupt onset of hypotension and tachycardia, rapidly enlarging petechial skin lesions, can lead to DIC and coma, death can occur rapidly (6-8 hours)
Usually striking infants < 1 year of age, with nonspecific findings like fever, vomiting, irritability, and/or lethargy. Neonates may have bulging open anterior fontanelle. Slightly older infants may have stiff neck and positive Kernig's and Brudzinski's signs.