Identification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae as the causative agent in a case of culture-negative dermatitis-arthritis syndrome using real-time PCR

J Travel Med. 2008 Sep-Oct;15(5):369-71. doi: 10.1111/j.1708-8305.2008.00240.x.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arthritis, Infectious / microbiology*
  • Gonorrhea / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Malaysia
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae / isolation & purification
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / microbiology*
  • Thailand
  • Travel*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • United Kingdom
  • Unsafe Sex