Disseminated gonococcal infection

**Definition:** Disseminated gonococcal infection occurs when there is bacteremic dissemination of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from its initial focus of infection mainly in female pelvic organs. It manifests as pain and swelling around one or more joints, intermittent crops of erythematous papules and pustules on the limbs, fever and rigors. Blood cultures may be but are not always positive.