Case Definition

Confirmed Case

Genital [1]

• Detection and confirmation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in genital or urinary specimens by appropriate laboratory techniques, such as the isolation of N. gonorrhoeae by culture or the demonstration of N. gonorrhoeae by detection of nucleic acid or antigen.

Extra-genital

• Detection and confirmation of N. gonorrhoeae in specimens from the conjunctiva, pharynx, joint, blood, and other non-genital sites by appropriate laboratory techniques, such as the isolation of N. gonorrhoeae by culture or the demonstration of N. gonorrhoeae by detection of nucleic acid or antigen.
  

Perinatally-acquired

• Detection and confirmation of N. gonorrhoeae infection in the first 4 weeks of life leading to the diagnosis of gonococcal infection, including conjunctivitis, scalp abscess, bacteremia, arthritis, meningitis or endocarditis, by appropriate laboratory techniques, such as the isolation of N. gonorrhoeae by culture or the demonstration of N. gonorrhoeae by detection of nucleic acid or antigen.

Notes

1. Genital sites include urethra, penis, vagina, cervix, and rectum.

Further Information

For more information on the case definition of gonorrhea, please refer to the Technical Appendix of the annual STI surveillance reports.