Identification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae as the causative agent in a case of culture-negative dermatitis-arthritis syndrome using real-time PCR.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are an increasingly common and important cause of a fever in a returning traveler. Systemic complications of STIs, human immunodeficiency virus seroconversion illness, and secondary syphilis are diagnoses that can easily be missed. We present a case of culture-negative disseminated gonococcal infection presenting with fever, malaise, polyarthralgia, arthritis, and a rash that developed following orogenital contact and was diagnosed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. This technology has major potential to improve the speed and sensitivity of diagnosis and consequent management of patients with this syndrome.
Kimmitt
Patrick T
PT
School of Biosciences, University of Westminster, London, UK.
Kirby
Andrew
A
Perera
Nelun
N
Nicholson
Karl G
KG
Schober
Paul C
PC
Rajakumar
Kumar
K
Chapman
Cordelia A
CA
D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000382:microbiology*; D006069:Gonorrhea / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009344:Neisseria gonorrhoeae / Q000302:isolation & purification; D017192:Skin Diseases, Bacterial / Q000382:microbiology*; D013785:Thailand; D014195:Travel; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom; D047568:Unsafe Sex