Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infection in Women Increases With Rising Gonococcal Burdens in Partners: Chlamydia Coinfection
Xiaohong Su1, Wenjing Le1, Xiaofeng Zhu1
1Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China.
Background:
Likelihood of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection in women exposed to male sex partners with increasing N. gonorrhoeae burdens and enhancement by Chlamydia trachomatis is not defined.
Methods:
We identified men with urethritis and their regular female sex partners. Exposure to N. gonorrhoeae burdens in men was compared in N. gonorrhoeae-infected versus -uninfected partners. Association of N. gonorrhoeae infection in women with burdens in male partners was estimated using logistic regression. Association of C. trachomatis coinfection and N. gonorrhoeae burdens in women adjusted for burdens in male partners was estimated by linear regression.
Results:
In total, 1816 men were enrolled; 202 had ≥2 partners, 91 who confirmed monogamy and were enrolled; 77% were married. Seventy were partners of N. gonorrhoeae-infected men; 58 (83%) were N. gonorrhoeae infected, 26 (45%) C. trachomatis coinfected. Infected women had partners with 9.3-fold higher N. gonorrhoeae burdens than partners of uninfected women (P = .0041). Association of N. gonorrhoeae infection in women with upper quartiles of N. gonorrhoeae burdens in partners increased (odds ratios ≥ 2.97)compared to the first quartile (P = .032). N. gonorrhoeae burdens in C. trachomatis-coinfected women were 2.82-fold higher than in C. trachomatis-uninfected women (P = .036).
Conclusions:
N. gonorrhoeae infections increased in women whose partners were infected with higher N. gonorrhoeae burdens. C. trachomatis coinfection was associated with increased N. gonorrhoeae burdens in women.
Related Concept Videos
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Bacterial Phylum Chlamydiae
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology


