Disseminated gonococcal infection in pregnancy presenting as meningitis and dermatitis

Abstract

Background: In 2003, the reported gonorrhea rate among women was 118.8 per 100,000 women. Most gonococcal infections in pregnant women are asymptomatic or produce a mildly symptomatic genital infection. Disseminated infections can occur when gonococcal bacteremia produces extragenital symptoms, most commonly arthritis.

Case: A patient presented in the third trimester of pregnancy with fever, body aches, neck soreness, and skin lesions. There was no arthritis. Cultures performed during evaluation confirmed extragenital Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Conclusion: A high index of suspicion is necessary to diagnose disseminated gonococcal infection and prevent disease sequelae.