What type of bacteria is responsible for gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is classified as a Gram-negative cocci. This means that the bacteria have a spherical shape (cocci) and do not retain the crystal violet stain used in the Gram staining procedure, resulting in a reddish or pink appearance under microscopic examination. The classification into Gram-negative and Gram-positive categories is based on the structure of the cell wall, with Gram-negative bacteria having a thinner peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides, which contributes to their pathogenic properties.

Understanding the bacterial morphology and Gram staining characteristics is crucial for clinical diagnosis and treatment, as it helps healthcare professionals select appropriate antibiotics and understand the potential for antibiotic resistance. Other types of bacteria mentioned, such as Gram-positive cocci or Gram-negative bacilli and spirochetes, refer to different diseases and characteristics that do not pertain to the causative agent of gonorrhea.