Geographical arthritis brought on by gonorrhea: Understanding origins, signs, and remedies
In the realm of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), gonorrhea stands as the second most common communicable disease in the United States [1]. This common STI can lead to serious health problems, including gonococcal arthritis, if left untreated.
Gonococcal arthritis is a manifestation of disseminated gonorrhea infection (DGI), where the bacteria, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, invades the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. The common long-term complications of untreated gonorrhea include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and pelvic abscesses. In men, untreated gonorrhea can cause epididymitis, leading to infertility [1].
DGI can occur in any gender, involving the bloodstream and possibly causing gonococcal arthritis, skin rash, and systemic symptoms. It is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition [1]. In pregnancy, gonorrhea can be transmitted to the newborn, causing gonococcal conjunctivitis, joint infections, blindness, and bloodstream infections [1].
Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are crucial because antibiotics clear the infection but may not reverse existing complications. The current recommended antibiotic is ceftriaxone, typically administered as an intramuscular injection. Previously, treatment involved ceftriaxone plus oral azithromycin; however, due to rising azithromycin resistance, ceftriaxone alone is now preferred [1].
Preventing gonococcal arthritis involves using condoms during sexual activity, being in a long-term sexual relationship with one person who does not have gonorrhea, regularly testing for gonorrhea and other STIs, and undergoing a yearly screening for gonorrhea and other STIs. Gonorrhea can also be transmitted to a newborn child during birth if the birthing parent has gonorrhea.
Gonococcal arthritis can affect the knees, ankles, wrists, and elbows. It may cause skin symptoms like dermatitis, whereas reactive arthritis will not. Reactive arthritis can occur due to STIs like chlamydia, but not due to gonorrhea. Other infections such as salmonella, shigella, and campylobacter infections may also lead to reactive arthritis.
With prompt antibiotic treatment, the gonococcal infection should clear. Treating gonococcal arthritis involves treating gonorrhea with antibiotics, with ceftriaxone being the preferred initial antibiotic. The full course of treatment may involve a 7-14-day round of antibiotics. Contacting previous sexual partners and suggesting they test for gonorrhea is an important part of controlling the spread of this infection.
Up to new gonorrhea infections occur in the United States each year, according to the CDC. It is essential to raise awareness about the risks associated with untreated gonorrhea and the importance of regular testing and safe sexual practices.
References: [1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Gonococcal Arthritis. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/std/gonorrhea/stdfact-gonococcal-arthritis.htm [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Gonococcal Arthritis. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gonococcal-arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369852 [4] American College of Rheumatology. (2021). Gonococcal Arthritis. Retrieved from https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Gonococcal-Arthritis [5] National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2021). Gonococcal Arthritis. Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/gonococcal-arthritis
- Gonococcal arthritis, a manifestation of disseminated gonorrhea infection, can lead to severe joint pain and swelling.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment with ceftriaxone are crucial to clear the gonococcal infection and prevent complications like gonococcal arthritis.
- Other infections like chlamydia can cause reactive arthritis, but not gonococcal arthritis.
- The common long-term complications of untreated gonorrhea include pelvic inflammatory disease in women, leading to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and pelvic abscesses.
- Preventing gonococcal arthritis involves safe sexual practices, including consistent condom use, testing for STIs, and regular yearly screenings.
- In pregnancy, gonorrhea can be transmitted to the newborn child, causing severe eye infections and bloodstream infections.
- Raising awareness about the risks associated with untreated gonorrhea and the importance of regular testing and safe sexual practices can help reduce the 800,000 new gonorrhea infections that occur each year in the United States.
- In addition to gonococcal arthritis, other chronic diseases like Alzheimer's, mental-health conditions, skin-care issues, and chronic-diseases require ongoing attention and proper treatments like CBD, therapies-and-treatments, fitness-and-exercise, and medical-conditions management for maintaining overall health-and-wellness.
