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Meningococcal urethritis

H C Faigel1

  • 1University Health Service, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02254-9110.

Journal of Adolescent Health Care : Official Publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine
|July 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Meningococcus bacteria, commonly found in the throat, can cause rare primary infections elsewhere. This case details a heterosexual male with a urethral infection from meningococcus acquired through oral sex.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Urology

Background:

  • Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) is a bacterium carried asymptomatically in the nasopharynx of 2-4% of the population.
  • Pharyngeal carriage can serve as a reservoir for invasive meningococcal disease.
  • Primary infections outside the pharynx are uncommon, with documented transmission chains being rare.

Observation:

  • A case of primary urethral infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis is reported.
  • The infection occurred in a heterosexual male.
  • Transmission was linked to an act of fellatio.

Findings:

  • This report highlights an unusual route of transmission for meningococcus.
  • Demonstrates that the urethra can be a site for primary meningococcal infection.
  • Suggests sexual contact as a potential, albeit uncommon, mode of transmission.

Implications:

  • Expands understanding of Neisseria meningitidis transmission dynamics.
  • Highlights the need to consider sexual history in cases of urethritis, particularly in males.
  • May inform public health strategies regarding meningococcal disease prevention and control.

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