In Vitro and in Vivo Models for Pathogenic Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infections

Abstract

The prevalence of gonorrhea has not discontinued in several countries and still remains as one of the top sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and it's caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This bacterium gains entry into the human host via receptors, and by the usage of several virulence factors, it manages to spread through the cells and leads to severe complications. The study of these bacteria in various in vitro and in vivo models have paved the way for gaining insights on various aspects of bacterial infection, such as the study of pathogenesis of the organism in the host. It also drove the development of more appropriate drugs for the treatment of the gonorrhea illness caused by this ‘superbug'. This chapter focuses on providing a concise overview on the general aspects of N. gonorrhoeaeas an update and the in vitro and in vivo models used for understanding this bacterium over the years. Despite gonorrhea not being a rare STD, it is still a big challenge for researchers, healthcare professionals, and communicators with public awareness to communicate effectively with the general community.