Urethral smear from a young man with purulent urethral discharge shows Gram-negative intracellular diplococci. What is the reported sensitivity of Gram stain for diagnosing gonococcal urethritis in symptomatic men?

• A About 50 percent
• B About 70 percent
• C About 30 percent
• D Greater than 95 percent ✓

Explanation

In symptomatic men, Gram stain of the urethral discharge showing Gram-negative intracellular diplococci has a sensitivity above 95 percent and specificity around 98 percent, permitting immediate treatment without culture. In endocervical specimens from women the sensitivity falls far lower, near 50 percent, which is why NAAT is preferred there.

Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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