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Gonococcal septicaemia presenting as a subcutaneous abscess
The British Journal of Venereal Diseases
|April 1, 1981
Summary
Diagnosis of disseminated gonococcal infection was delayed due to an unusual biceps abscess. Neisseria gonorrhoeae was identified in abscess pus, highlighting a rare skin manifestation of this infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) is a systemic complication of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It typically presents with arthritis, tenosynovitis, and dermatitis, but can have varied clinical manifestations.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent severe complications.
Observation:
- A patient presented with a discharging abscess on the biceps muscle, a rare cutaneous manifestation.
- The diagnosis of disseminated gonococcal infection was significantly delayed due to this atypical presentation.
Findings:
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae was successfully cultured from the purulent fluid of the biceps abscess.
- This case highlights an unreported skin manifestation of DGI.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that unusual skin lesions, such as abscesses, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of DGI.
- Increased awareness of rare presentations can improve diagnostic timelines and patient outcomes for gonococcal infections.