Pathogenesis (development of disease)
The pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae is transmitted predominantly through direct sexual contact. In the process, it penetrates the body through microscopic skin lesions, especially in the area of the genital mucosa, and causes the symptoms described. The pathogen possesses various virulence factors, such as pili (affect the extent of epithelial damage), opacity-associated protein, and porin (invasion of epithelial cells), and others.
Etiology (Causes)
Biographic causes
- Homosexuality in men
Behavioral causes
- Sexual transmission
- Promiscuity (sexual contact with relatively frequently changing different partners).
- Prostitution
- Men who have sex with men (MSM).
- Sexual contacts in the vacation country
- Unprotected coitus
- Sexual practices with high risk of mucosal injury (e.g., unprotected anal intercourse/anal sex).
Disease-related causes
- Other sexually transmitted diseases such as infections with chlamydia.
