GONOCOCCUS AND THE TOILET SEAT

THE susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to drying is well recognized and is a major factor in limiting the nonsexual transmission of this organism. However, Bailey and Scott have suggested that gonococci may survive for short periods in a moist environment1; this possibility was confirmed when Elmros and Larsson demonstrated survival of gonococci for up to 24 hours on a towel periodically rinsed with warm, physiologic saline. Nonvenereal gonococcal infections include conjunctivitis,3 gum abscess,4 pharyngitis,5 6 7 parotitis8 and arthritis.9 Acquisition or transmission of gonococcal infections by nonvenereal mechanisms occurs in infants and children.4,7,9 10 11 12 Contamination of the mother's hands was implicated as. © 1979, Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved.