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Gonorrhea and Urethritis

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Braun-Falco´s Dermatology

Abstract

Urethritis, with typical symptoms such as dysuria and urethral discharge, is caused by bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses that are often sexually transmitted. Ascending inflammations can lead to sterility and severe clinical pictures. Pathogen characteristics and patient-specific factors determine the course of the disease. If a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is detected, an examination for further STIs should be performed. Gonorrhea affects the mucous membranes of the urogenital and anal tracts, the pharynx, and the conjunctiva. The development of single- and multidrug resistance is a cause for concern. Currently, dual therapy with ceftriaxone and azithromycin is recommended. Urogenital Chlamydia trachomatis infection (Serovars D-K) is one of the most common STIs. In the case of proctitis, LGV infection should be ruled out. Doxycycline or azithromycin are suitable for treatment. Genital Mycoplasma genitalium infections often occur as persistent or recurrent urethritis. Treatment recommendations vary widely because of the increasing development of resistance. Trichomoniasis is considered the STI with the highest prevalence worldwide, but is low in Western European countries. The drug of choice is metronidazole.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. German Reference Laboratory for Gonococci, Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Vivantes Hospital Berlin Neukölln, Berlin, Germany

    Susanne Buder

  2. Outpatient Clinic of Dermatology and Venereology, City Hospital Waid and Triemli, Zurich, Switzerland

    Stephan Lautenschlager

Authors
  1. Susanne Buder
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  2. Stephan Lautenschlager
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Susanne Buder .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany

    Gerd Plewig

  2. Department of Dermatology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany

    Lars French

  3. Department of Dermatology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany

    Thomas Ruzicka

  4. Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Frankfurt University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany

    Roland Kaufmann

  5. Clinic for Dermatology and Allergology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany

    Michael Hertl

Section Editor information

  1. Department of Dermatology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany

    Thomas Ruzicka

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Buder, S., Lautenschlager, S. (2020). Gonorrhea and Urethritis. In: Plewig, G., French, L., Ruzicka, T., Kaufmann, R., Hertl, M. (eds) Braun-Falco´s Dermatology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-58713-3_18-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-58713-3_18-1

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  • Print ISBN: 978-3-662-58713-3

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