Gonorrheal infections in the oropharynx

Abstract

In the otolaryngology literature, little attention is given to pharyngeal gonococcal infections. In the past, gonorrheal stomatitis was emphasized; recent publications dealt especially with tonsillitis. A gonococcal focus in the tonsil is not easily eradicated and often leads to diseminated gonorrhea with arthritis. Homosexual contacts are of importance. Among 196 patients with suspected venereal disease (93 men and 103 women), 74 had genital or rectal gonorrhea, or both; two female patients had an isolated gonococcal pharyngeal infection. A positive gonococcal pharyngeal culture was obtained from one homosexual man who had tonsillitis. In all cases of tonsillitis in "young" adults, the otolaryngologist should be aware of the possibility of a gonorrheal infection. Even if there is the slightest suspicion, a tonsillar culture for gonococci is required, for which suction of the crypts is recommended.