**2.3** *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*

In 1879, Albert Neisser first described the gram-negative diplococcus, *NG*, in discharges from urethral and cervical infections [29]. NG affecting the urethra, endocervix, rectum, and pharynx is common and mostly asymptomatic. Up to 50% of female patients who came down with NG infection of the endocervix also develop a simultaneous rectal infection as a result of the contiguous spread of their genital infection [30]. Three days to 2 weeks postexposure, NG infection will appear and symptoms include abnormal vaginal/mucopurulent discharge, bloody discharge, dysuria, dyspareunia, pruritus vulvae, or even perineal pain. Although most times anorectal examination is normal, erythema or ulceration of the anus may be seen on
