Which organism is the etiologic agent of gonorrhea?

Prepare for the AAMI Microbiology exam for embalmers with our comprehensive quiz. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with explanations and hints to master exam content and enhance your study experience.

Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This organism is a gram-negative diplococcus that specifically infects mucosal surfaces in the genital tract and is transmitted through sexual contact. It’s distinguished from the other bacteria listed by its association with this sexually transmitted infection. Streptococcus pneumoniae causes pneumonia and meningitis, Neisseria meningitidis causes meningitis, and Escherichia coli is a common cause of urinary tract and intestinal infections. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the culprit behind gonorrhea, is typically identified in the lab by features such as being oxidase positive and growing on selective media, and it differentiates from related Neisseria species by its fermentation pattern (glucose only for gonorrhoeae, whereas meningitidis ferments both glucose and maltose).