What will a Gram stain of a gonorrheal infection typically show?

• A. Gram positive cocci
• B. Gram negative cocci
• C. Gram negative diplococci
• D. Spirochetes

Answer: (C)

Gonorrheal infection is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a Gram-negative diplococcus. On Gram stain of purulent discharge, the characteristic finding is Gram-negative diplococci seen inside neutrophils. This intracellular paired-diplococcus appearance is highly suggestive of gonorrhea, especially in male urethral discharge where Gram stain is most diagnostic. The other patterns don’t fit: Gram-positive cocci would point toward organisms like Staphylococcus or Streptococcus, while spirochetes (e.g., Treponema) have a spiral shape and are detected with different stains or methods, not as Gram-negative diplococci in neutrophils.