Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI)
Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) occurs when the gonorrhea infection spreads to sites other than the genitals, such as the joints, skin, heart, or blood. DGI occurs in a very small percentage of all cases of gonorrhea and is more common in women.1 Symptoms may include:
- Fever.
- Skin infection (cellulitis).
- An infection in the bloodstream (sepsis).
- Inflammation of a joint (arthritis). It most often affects the knees and hands.
- An infection and inflammation of the heart valves and the chambers of the heart (endocarditis).
- An infection of the fluid and tissues that surround the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW | Last Updated: May 9, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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