Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria, illustration - Stockillustratie

Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria, computer illustration. N. gonorrhoeae causes the sexually-transmitted disease gonorrhoea. The bacteria are Gram-negative, non-motile and kidney-shaped and often occur in pairs, being flattened on the side facing the partner. Infection occurs through the genital mucous membranes of either sex: symptoms include pain on passing urine and a discharge of pus from the penis or vagina. Some women may experience no initial symptoms. Untreated, the infection spreads and may cause sterility in women and urethral blockage in men. The surface of bacteria are covered with pilli which take part in attachment of bacteria to cells and surfaces.