ABSTRACT
Gonorrhoea is probably the most widely known cause of sexually transmitted genital infections. However, it is now uncommon in the female population outside certain high-risk groups such as prostitutes. This reduction in the number of cases is due to the fact that it is easily treated by many of the common antibiotics, but despite its reduced incidence, it remains important because it can cause severe pelvic infections which may lead to tubal damage and thus infertility. The organisms live in the cells of the cervix and urethra and therefore will only be detected if the bacteriological sample swabs are taken from these sites rather than from the vaginal walls.
