An important means of identification of Neisseria species is the oxidase test, for which all members test positive. The two most clinically significant members of Neisseria are N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis . N. gonorrhoeae is referred to as a gonococcal infection.
Gonorrhea is transmitted between humans through intimate contact of the mucous membrane.
This sexually transmitted organism can be carried by men and women for many years without any sign or symptoms. In infected males, the disease is characterized by a urethral discharge of puss and can eventually result in other complications such as prostatitis and periurethral abscess. The incubation period of the bacterium can last from a day to a week. Females infected with gonorrhea exhibit vaginal discharges, abdominal pain, and abnormal non-menstrual bleeding. Ironically, the widespread use of birth control devices such as the pill has actually increased the number of gonococcal infections in the United States.