Inflammation of a joint due to infection by the bacterium gonococcus (Neisseria gonorrhoeae). The most affected joints tend to be the knee, ankle or wrist.
By its contagion mechanism, it is considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD). The bacterium reaches the joint intravenously.
It manifests with pain and swelling and, in many cases, the joint is red and hot upon palpation.
A diagnosis is obtained through the patient's clinical history and a physical examination. It is confirmed with a blood test and analysing the fluid of the joint.
It is treated with antibiotics, analgesics and anti-inflammatory medication to control the symptoms.
Since it is considered an STD, it is recommendable to rule out other diseases such as HIV, syphilis or chlamydia in sexual partners as well.
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- Dalton E Sholter, Anthony S Russell. Synovial fluid analysis. UpToDate. Oct 07, 2016.
- Belkacem A, Caumes E, Ouanich J, et al. Changing patterns of disseminated gonococcal infection in France: cross-sectional data 2009-2011. Sex Transm Infect 2013; 89:613.
- Madoff LC. Artritis infecciosa. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19º Edición: 835.
- Ram S, Rice PA. Infecciones gonocócicas. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volúmen 2. 19º Edición: 1003-1009.
- Workowski KA, Bolan GA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2015. MMWR Recomm Rep 2015; 64:1.
