Gonorrhea – caused by infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) bacterium – is the second most commonly reported bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the United States.1,2
GC is transmitted through sexual contact with the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus of any infected partner. It infects the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract, including the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes in women, and the urethra in women.2
GC is common, especially among young people.2
However, current figures likely underestimate the total disease burden of GC.2
Most women with GC are asymptomatic, and those with symptoms may mistake them for a bladder or vaginal infection.2
There are serious — and even life-threatening complications — associated with undetected GC, making diagnosis essential.2
GC screening is necessary to identify most infections.
Screening for GC is critical for healthcare providers to detect infection, since GC usually has no symptoms. Any sexually active person can be infected with GC.2,3
There are 3 common screening methods for CT
The BD CTGCTV2 assay is cleared for all 3 screening methods and is designed to detect CT, GC, and TV—the 3 most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infections—in a single test.5-7
Swab
A swab of the discharge from the cervix is taken for culture or antigen testing for gonorrhea and may be done during a routine Pap test.
Self-swab
Some women prefer to swab their vagina themselves in the healthcare setting. Patient-collection of vulvovaginal swabs has excellent sensitivity in women with and without symptoms, when associated with nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT), like the BD CTCGTV2 assay.4
Urine test
A urine sample is analyzed in the laboratory.
CT, Chlamydia trachomatis; FDA, Food and Drug Administration; GC, Neisseria gonorrhoeae; HIV, human immunodeficiency virus; NAAT, nucleic acid amplification test; STI, sexually transmitted infection; TV, Trichomonas vaginalis.
1. National Overview - Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance 2020, CDC. 2022. Accessed 29 Apr 2022.
2. Gonorrhea – CDC Fact Sheet, CDC. 2022. Accessed 10 Apr 2022.
3. Workowski KA et al. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2021;70(4):1–187.
4. Page C et al. J Fam Pract. 2013;62(11):651–3.
5. Van Der Pol B et al. Sex Transm Dis. 2021;48(2):134–40.
6. Sexually Transmitted Infections Prevalence, Incidence, and Cost Estimates in the United States, CDC. 2021. Accessed 29 Apr 2022.
7. BD CTGCTV2 for BD MAX™ System Package Insert [P0237].
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