Taxonomy
Family: Neisseriaceae

Natural habitats
N. gonorrhoeae is always considered pathogenic, and humans are the only hosts of this bacterium

It is mainly transmitted through sexual practices and infects the mucosal surfaces of urethra, cervix, rectum, and pharynx and the eye.

The risk of the infection is greatly influenced by sexual behavior yet can be reduced, although not eliminated, by use of condoms.

The eye can be infected intrapartally during passage of the fetus through the birth canal.

Clinical significance
They are the causative agent of gonorrhea (also called “The Clap”) and is transmitted via sexual contact.

10% of the infected males and 80% of infected females are asymptomatic.

Infections of the genitals can result in a purulent discharge from the genitals, with may be foul smelling.

Symptoms may include inflammation, redness, swelling, and dysuria.
Conjunctivitis is common in neonates and silver nitrate or antibiotics are often applied to their eyes as a preventive measure against gonorrhea.

This can lead to corneal scarring or perforation, resulting in blindness in the neonates.