Scanning electron microscopical examination of gonococcal urethral exudate

Br J Vener Dis. 1977 Feb;53(1):31-9. doi: 10.1136/sti.53.1.31.

Abstract

The relationship of gonococci and phagocytes in gonococcal urethral exudate was examined using a scanning electron microscope. Several stages in the phagocytic process were evident. These included pseudopodias, microvilli, and simple attachment of gonococci to phagocytic surfaces. Epithelial cells, also a part of the exudate, were examined in this study. Parallels are drawn between this and other phagocytic systems. The technique provides excellent preservation of phagocyte-bacterial interrelationships and offers a means of investigating the nature of the resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to phagocytosis.

MeSH terms

  • Exudates and Transudates / cytology*
  • Exudates and Transudates / microbiology
  • Gonorrhea / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae / ultrastructure*
  • Phagocytes / ultrastructure*
  • Phagocytosis
  • Urethra / metabolism