Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Prepared by: Michael J. Huerkamp, DVM, Diplomate ACLAM
Date: October 9, 2000

Agent: Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Gonorrhea is a sexually-transmitted disease and a documented hazard to laboratory personnel.

Potential Hazard: It is possible that the agent may be present in feces, blood, ocular secretions, genitourinary excretions (including urine), synovial fluid and cerebrospinal fluid of inoculated animals. However, infection usually can only be managed by infecting a subcutaneous foreign body implanted during surgery. Animal deaths may be common with high doses of bacteria. Skin ulcers, potentially a site of bacterial excretion, may be present at the site of surgical implants. Mucous membrane exposure and needle stick are the primary laboratory hazards for personnel. The importance of aerosol exposure is not known.

Recommended Precautions: The animal biosafety level II practices (DAR SOP 400-3) will protect husbandry personnel or those handling animals against exposure or infection. Vaccines are not available for use in humans.

References: Arko RJ. Neisseria gonorhoeae: Experimental infection in laboratory animals. Science 177(55): 1200-01, 1972.

Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories, 4th edition, CDC-NIH, 1999, pp. 106-7.