Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a Gram-negative coccus of the Neisseria genus. N. gonorrhoeae is usually seen in pairs infecting human cells. It has a circular DNA genome of approximately 1Mbp encoding over 2000 genes. N. gonorrhoeae is transmitted by sexual contact and usually causes infection in cells of the mucous membrane of the male urethra or the endocervix and urethra in females. During infection, polysaccharides are released from the bacteria that stimulate host cell production of tumour necrosis factors that cause an inflammatory response.

There is no vaccine against N. gonorrhoeae infection and antibiotic resistance is beginning to increase, therefore treatment includes a course of antibiotics that will be effective against resistant strains. Complications in males caused by the infection can result in prostatitis or orchitis if the bacteria spread. In females, invasion of the fallopian tubes or ovaries can result in salpingitis or ovaritis respectively, with any of these infections possibly resulting in sterility.

For research use only and NOT intended for in vitro diagnostics.