Gonorrhea Testing

Posted on September 23rd, 2007 in Test by STD

Gonorrhea testing is sampling of fluid exudates from the body to determine the presence of gonorrhea bacterium in the body. There are several known methods in order to test for the bacterium. These methods commonly involve either multiplication of the bacterium itself or of the genetic material. Adding substances that identify the gonorrhea bacterium is another known method.

The bacterium that causes gonorrhea is commonly called gonococcus. It goes by the scientific term, Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The various methods of gonorrhea testing are directed at determining whether the bacterium has attacked the body.

Foremost, gonorrhea testing involves collection of fluid discharges from the infected sites of the body such as the urethra. Urine may also be used as a sample.

The multiplication of bacterium is done through gonorrhea culture. This is the most common method of gonorrhea testing. Bacteria culture is done by adding substances to the samples. Added substances encourage bacteria growth. The advantages of this type of gonorrhea testing include determining the kind of antibiotics the bacteria strain is resistant to. Further, its test results are admissible in courts.

A more preferred, analyzes samples on the molecular level. This method of gonorrhea testing is known as Nucleic acid hybridization test or DNA test. One of the advantages of this method is that it specifies the gonorrhea bacterium apart from the Chlamydia strain. Infection from Chlamydia exhibits symptoms identical to that of gonorrheal symptoms.
Though considered the standard in gonorrhea testing, it is not always accurate. Further, molecular test results require validation through the same or other methodologies.

A more accurate method is the nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). NAAT, like nucleic acid hybridization test, identifies Neisseria gonorrhoeae on the DNA or molecular level. NAAT achieves this by making multiple copies of the bacterium.
Two other gonorrhea testing methods are considered less reliable.

One is the Gram stain test. This method is done by adding a dye on a fluid sample placed on a microscope slide.

Another lesser reliable method is the enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). This type of test rather aims at detecting antigens triggered by the presence of gonorrhea bacteria in the body.

There are five currently known methods of gonorrhea testing. Each poses its own potentials as well as limitations. Accuracies also differ. Basically, though, the aim is to identify whether bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae is present in the fluid sample. If the specimen is found to contain the bacteria, then the patient is likely infected with gonorrhea.

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How to Detect Chlamydia and Gonorrhea

Posted on September 3rd, 2007 in Test by STD

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two of the most widespread sexually transmitted diseases, and could bring about grave and even systemic complications when left untreated. Although some cases are asymptomatic, signs and symptoms of these diseases, when observed, should be relayed promptly to your doctor in order to successfully stop their progression.

Chlamydia would usually start in the cervix which becomes edematous. It then produces a yellow, purulent discharge which could be manifested simultaneously with spotting at the middle of the menstrual cycle. The inflammation of the urethra would cause painful urination as well as frequency of urination.

Painful urination is also a common manifestation in males although their discharge ranges from clear to mucopurulent. The rectum could also be inflamed if the microorganism was harbored through anal contact, as well as the pharynx if there was oral contact.

More often, chlamydial infections may exhibit none or few of these manifestations.

Gonorrhea, on the other hand, is manifested in females through a yellow-green purulent discharge and redness of the cervix. The vulva of the female may become red, swollen and sore. The woman may also experience abnormal menstrual bleeding and may complain of pain during urination. There is also an increased frequency of urination.

In gonorrhea, the manifestations occur earlier in males as compared with females. It usually starts as an infection of the anterior urethra that, when prolonged, could result to the production of a purulent penile discharge. Pain and frequency in urination could also be experienced by males. When these signs and symptoms are manifested and yet, are left untreated—the infection could spread to the epididymis and to the prostate gland and cause further inflammation. Orogenital contact could lead to pharyngitis as well as conjunctivitis.

The infection acquired could also spread to different body parts beyond the reproductive system. They could cause septic arthritis, arthralgias, inflammation of the tendons and synovial membranes, hepatic adhesions (also known as Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome), endocarditis and meningitis.

There are also some cases wherein there is coexistence between gonoccocal and chlamydial infections. Both of them need their own diagnostic tests and treatment. For clients who are treated for gonoccocal infections, it is advised to have presumptive treatment as well for chlamydial infections. This action is both considered as suitable and cost-effective.

If chlamydia and gonorrhea are given much attention in terms of their signs and symptoms, prompt detection and treatment could still preserve a person’s sexual health and reproductive capability.

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Gonorrhea Test Options

Posted on September 2nd, 2007 in Test by STD

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacterium in the reproductive tract and at times may also occur in the mouth, throat, eyes and anus. This affects both men and women. If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause permanent health problems. Therefore, gonorrhea should be diagnosed as soon as possible through available gonorrhea tests to avoid the risk of lifetime damage.

Most people who are infected by gonorrhea do not experience any symptoms. However, some symptoms, when they do manifest, occur after two to five days from infection. For men, symptoms include a painful burning sensation when urinating and may be accompanied by a yellow, green or white discharge. Sometimes, testicles also become swollen. For women, symptoms may include pain when urinating, increased discharge or bleeding between periods. For rectal infections in both men and women, symptoms may include pain, itching, bleeding and discharge from the rectum.

If any of these symptoms occur or if there is suspicion of infection, gonorrhea tests must be done right away in order to implement the correct treatment and prevent permanent damage. Since symptoms are absent in most cases, gonorrhea tests may also be included in the routine examinations of people with high risks. These will include sexually-active men and women. Gonorrhea may also be transmitted by a mother to her baby. Therefore, pregnant women who are at high risk must also undergo gonorrhea testing. If the mother is found positive, the baby must also be screened right after birth.

Gonorrhea tests will involve obtaining a sample specimen of a body fluid from areas where gonorrhea may occur. This includes the cervix, urethra, anus or throat. Sample specimen for the urethra and cervix is obtained thru a urine sample.

A quick gonorrhea test is a Gram stain, which can be done in a clinic. This is useful for detecting gonorrhea in the urethra or cervix. A Gram stain enables a doctor to see the presence of the gonorrhea bacteria in the sample specimen. The Gram stain may produce fast results but may not be reliable.

A more reliable gonorrhea test is the Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) and the Nucleic acid hybridization test. The NAAT involves making copies of the DNA of the gonorrhea bacteria while the latter involves probing into the DNA of the gonorrhea bacteria. Both gonorrhea tests provide more accurate results as compared to the Gram stain.

A useful gonorrhea test is the preparation of gonorrhea culture from specimen fluids. This test is useful in determining which antibiotics the bacteria are resistant to.

A doctor should be able to determine what the best gonorrhea test that should be done. What’s important is that person who suspects infection seeks medical help right away so that any permanent damage may be avoided.

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