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Difference Between Oral Gonorrhea and Strep Throat
Oral gonorrhea is an STD that is caused by N. Gonorrhea bacteria and Strep throat is a condition that is caused by group A streptococcus (bacteria).
Gonorrhea and strep throat is different kind of conditions that affects the throat.
Oral gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by Neisseria gonorrhea bacteria. Which is transmitted during oral sex from the genital organ to the oral cavity. It affects the oral cavity, particularly the throat, and arises some symptoms.
On the other hand, strep throat is a condition in which there is a painful throat which is caused by a special group of bacteria named streptococcus.
Some confusion may arise because both gonorrhea and streptococcus are causing symptoms in the throat region but practically they are different.
In this article, we will discuss oral gonorrhea and oral streptococcus in detail.
Difference in Symptoms
Symptoms of Oral Gonorrhea
Oral gonorrhea is mostly asymptomatic. However, it may produce some symptoms which are quite common in all kinds of throat infections.
The most common symptoms of oral gonorrhea may include;
- Sore throat
- Erythema of the throat
- Rise of temperature
- Swelling of the surrounding lymph nodes
When gonorrhea affects the other part of the body it arises some additional gonorrheal symptoms such as;
- Vaginal or penile discharge
- Burning sensation during micturition
- Testicles may swell
- Painful intercourse
Symptoms of Strep Throat
The symptoms of strep throat may include;
- Sudden rise in temperature
- Headache
- Fever with chills and rigor
- Pain
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Red spots on the throats
- Red and swollen tonsils
- Red spots on the roof of the mouth
- Swollen lymph node
Differing Symptoms
Strep throat does not include;
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Hoarseness of voice
- Conjunctivitis
- Other gonorrheal symptoms arise when gonorrhea spreads throughout the body.
Difference in Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Oral Gonorrhea or strep throat involves both clinical and laboratory investigations. If you experience any of the symptoms and they are progressive or persistent in nature then you should visit a doctor.
The doctor will evaluate your signs and symptoms and then for confirmation of the diagnosis he will advise some medical tests.
The diagnosis of oral gonorrhea or strep thought depends on a throat swab followed by a culture and sensitivity test.
That means they will take a swab from your throat put it in a culture medium and let grow the organisms.
As a result, they can understand if the organism is streptococcus or gonorrhea.
There are some rapid tests available nowadays for oral gonorrhea diagnosis but they are not yet up to the mark.
So if you feel any of the symptoms and they are not tending to regress then please consult a doctor rather than waiting at home.
Read Syphilis vs Herpes
Transmission
The transmission of gonorrhea and streptococcus are quite different pathways. While gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease so it’s easy to understand how it’s spread. On the other hand, respiratory streptococcus is spread by respiratory droplets from the diseased person to the healthy person.
How Gonorrhea Spreads
Gonorrhea is an STD which means it’s a sexually transmitted disease. Usually, the private parts of a person are affected by gonorrhea but nowadays oral sexual performances are quite popular and it facilitates the spread of oral gonorrhea.
The mode of transmission of gonorrhea may include;
- Unprotected sex
- Oral sexual performances
- Sharing the undergarments of the diseased person
- Sharing the towels and other personal belongings of the deceased person
- Sexual intercourse with the affected person
Transmission of Streptococcus
Streptococcus is a gram-positive bacillus. It spread mostly by the nasal and throat of the diseased person.
The mode of transmission of streptococcus may include;
- Sharing personal belongings may spread streptococcus
- Not maintaining personal hygiene often causes the spread of this kind of bacillus
Risk Factors
There are some common and some different risk factors for both oral gonorrhea and sore throat.
Risk Factors of Oral Gonorrhea
As oral gonorrhea is a disease that is caused by N. gonorrhea and which is an STD so the risk factors are the same as other STDs. The risk factors of oral gonorrhea may include;
- Unprotected sex
- Multiple sexual partners
- Sharing personal items
- Not using condoms and other barrier contraceptive methods
- Sexual intercourse with a gonorrhea-affected person
- Immunocompromised person
- The person with diabetes mellitus
Risk Factors of Sore Throat
Risk factors of a sore throat are quite similar to oral gonorrhea but there are some differences, such as;
- As sore throat is an upper respiratory tract infection often coughing and sneezing may spread respiratory droplets which facilitate the spread of streptococcus
- Sharing toothbrushes and such substances may lead to the spread of streptococcus and often cause sore throat
- And other risk factors are similar to N. gonorrhea
Prevention
The prevention of oral gonorrhea and sore throat is quite easy. The prevention methods may include;
- Maintaining a good personal hygiene
- Not sharing personal belongings
- Avoiding unprotected sexual intercourse
- Using the barrier method while having sexual intercourse
- Screening of gonorrhea for your partners
- Avoid multiple sexual partners
- Avoiding oral sexual performances
- Maintaining very good oral hygiene such as brushing every day and using Listerine mouthwash
Prevention of sore throat may include some separate measures such as;
- Not sharing toothbrushes and other personal belongings
- Avoiding direct contact with a person with a sore throat
- If you have any initial symptoms such as fever or runny nose consulting a doctor would be helpful.
Treatment
Treatment of oral gonorrhea and strep thought both include certain antibiotic treatments that would kill and inhibit the growth of the organisms.
The specific antibiotic is chosen by the doctor after getting the culture and sensitivity reports. The doctor may start initial antibiotics such as a 3rd generation Cephalosporin or amoxicillin or amoxicillin and clavulanic acid.
After getting the sensitivity reports the doctors often change the antibiotic to give certain specific sensitive antibiotics to treat the symptoms and to get rid of the causative organisms.
Certain forms of antibacterial antibiotics can be given both orally and intravenously.
As the sore throat is an upper respiratory tract symptom it is usually treated by oral antibiotics rather than an intravenous antibiotic or antibiotic injections.
Penicillin is usually the drug of choice for oral gonorrhea.
Never take any antibiotic without consulting a doctor because an antibiotic is a special form of drug that can become resistant and causes many more infections if it is used without caution and properly.
Takeaway
Oral gonorrhea and strep throat are two distinct medical conditions that can affect the throat area. Oral gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, while strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria.
The symptoms of these two conditions can overlap and may include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes. However, they differ in their underlying causes, modes of transmission, and treatments.
Oral gonorrhea is primarily transmitted through oral sex, and it requires antibiotic treatment. Strep throat is most commonly spread through direct contact with an infected person, and it can be treated with antibiotics as well.
It is important to note that both conditions can have serious complications if left untreated, so it is essential to seek medical attention if you suspect you may have either of these infections.
In conclusion, while oral gonorrhea and strep throat may share some similar symptoms, they are distinct medical conditions with different causes and treatments. Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid complications and promote good health.
Last Updated on March 5, 2023 by Learn From Doctor Team
