Definition

1. Noun:
   • A pathogenic bacterium: Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the specific bacterial species that is the causative agent of the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea. It is characterized by its ability to cause purulent (pus-producing) infections.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The laboratory test confirmed the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae is transmitted through sexual contact.
  • Antibiotic resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a growing public health concern.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific/Medical Context: The term is used almost exclusively in medical, microbiological, and public health contexts. It is the formal, taxonomic name for the gonococcus (GC).
  • The study focused on the genetic sequencing of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates.

Variants and Related Words

• Gonococcus (pl. Gonococci): A common informal name for the bacterium , referring to its typical paired (diplococcal) shape.
  • The smear showed intracellular gram-negative diplococci, consistent with gonococci.
• GC: A common medical abbreviation for gonococcus or gonorrhea.
  • The patient tested positive for GC.

Synonyms

• Gonococcus: The primary synonym in medical terminology.

Related Phrases

• Neisseria meningitidis: A related bacterial species within the same genus that causes meningitis. It is important to distinguish between these two pathogens in clinical diagnosis.

Noun

1. the pus-producing bacterium that causes gonorrhea