Gonococcal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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gonococcal
[ษกษnษหkษkษl ]
Definition
medical term
Gonococcal refers to infections caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is responsible for the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea. It is a term primarily used in medical contexts to describe conditions or symptoms related to this infection. Gonococcal infections can affect various parts of the body, including the genitals, throat, and eyes.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Gonococcal urethritis is common among sexually active individuals.
- The patient was diagnosed with a gonococcal infection.
- Gonococcal arthritis is a rare but serious complication.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Medical Insights
- Gonococcal infections are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide.
- If left untreated, a gonococcal infection can lead to serious health issues like pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility, making early detection crucial.
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem with gonococcal infections, with some strains becoming resistant to multiple types of antibiotics, complicating treatment.
Social Impact
- Awareness campaigns about gonococcal infections have been key to reducing stigma and encouraging safer sexual practices.
- In many countries, public health initiatives focus on education and free testing to reduce the prevalence of gonorrhea.
- The rise in cases has led to increased conversations about sexual health and the importance of regular check-ups among sexually active individuals.
Cultural References
- Some music and pop culture references discuss gonorrhea, bringing awareness to the risks associated with not being careful sexually.
- In literature, there's often a stigma associated with sexually transmitted infections, where characters may face societal judgment, impacting their stories.
Preventive Measures
- Using condoms consistently and correctly can significantly reduce the risk of gonococcal infections.
- Routine screening for sexually active individuals is recommended, particularly for those with multiple partners or engaging in non-monogamous relationships.
- Vaccines for other sexually transmitted infections, like HPV, can help lower risk factors related to gonococcal transmission by promoting overall sexual health.
Origin of 'gonococcal'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'gonococcal' derives from the Greek words 'gonos' meaning seed or offspring, and 'coccus' indicating a spherical bacterium.
- It specifically refers to infections caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria responsible for gonorrhea, which highlights its biological nature.
- The word has been in use since the late 1800s, reflecting the era's increased awareness of sexually transmitted infections.
The term 'gonococcal' is derived from the genus name 'Neisseria,' which is named after the German bacteriologist Albert Neisser, who discovered the bacterium in 1879. The word combines 'Gonococcus,' which means 'seed of seed' in Greek, with the suffix '-al' used to form adjectives. The Gonococcus bacterium is the causative agent of gonorrhea, a widespread sexually transmitted infection. As medical understanding evolved through the 19th and 20th centuries, the term 'gonococcal' became standard in medical terminology to refer specifically to infections and diseases caused by this bacterium.