Laboratory parameters of the 1st order – obligatory laboratory tests.
- Microscopic examination of specimens such as urethral swabs, ejaculate, or cervical swabs (cervical smears) (as well as rectal/mastrointestinal and pharyngeal/pharyngeal, as appropriate) – Detection of Gram-negative diplococci in purulent urethral secretions (typically intracellular)Note: Microscopy (only in men with symptomatic urethritis).
- Cultural detection of gonococci (this means that the pathogens are grown) incl. resistogram (antibiotic resistance of N. gonorrhoeae has been increasing for years!) [method of choice].
- Serological detection of antibodies against Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococci) – is carried out when chronic gonorrhea is suspected.
- If necessary, Neisseria gonorrhoeae DNA detection (Go-PCR) [method of choice].
- HIV test (if HIV status is unknown).
Note: In women, a genital and a rectal swab.
Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification.
- HIV test – gonorrhea is considered an indicator disease for HIV.
- Bacteria
- Chlamydia trachomatis (lymphogranuloma venereum) – Serology: Chlamydia trachomatis.
- Treponema pallidum (syphilis, lues) – antibodies against Treponema pallidum (TPHA, VDRL, etc.).
- Ureaplasma urealyticum
- Viruses
- HIV (AIDS)
- Herpes simplex virus type 1/2 (HSV type 1 u. 2)
- Human papilloma virus [HPV] (Condylomata acuminata)
- Fungi/Parasites
- Fungi: Candida albicans and others Candida species genital swab – pathogen and resistance).
- Trichomonas vaginalis (trichomoniasis, colpitis) – antigen detection.
Further notes
- Consider coinfection with chlamydia!According to a study by a German university hospital, 17% of men and 41% of women with gonorrhea were also found to be positive for chlamydia
