Conjunctival infection can occur as a result through perinatal transmission and sometimes in adults with poor concepts of hygiene who auto-inoculate their eyes unwittingly after handling their genitals when going to the toilet. Prevalence in Australia has generally decreased during the past two decades, although high prevalence rates are still found in some communities. Males and females are equally affected, with highest rates of infection seen in sexually active adolescents and young adults. Incubation period is usually 2 to 7 days, but may be longer. Infection may be communicable for months if untreated.
Effective treatment ends communicability within hours.
TOP OF PAGE Clinical features Course of disease, severity and ease of recognition differs in males and females. The clinical picture of gonorrhoea may be complicated by urethritis and mucopurulent cervicitis caused by non-gonococcal sexually transmitted agents. Co infection with other sexually transmitted organisms is common, especially C. trachomatis and T. vaginalis. Sensitivity is good but cross-contamination with other Neisseria species hinders specificity. Second generation tests likely to improve application.