(Neisseria gonorrheae, Diplococcus gonorrheae), a group of bean-shaped, nonmotile, nonsporiferous, pyogenic bacteria; specific parasites of humans.

The gonococci were discovered by the German scientist A. Neisser in 1879. They are the cause of a purulent inflammatory disease (gonorrhea) of the mucous membranes of the urogenital organs and eyes; in addition, they may attack the joints, glands, and endocardium. Gonococci perish upon drying, heating (to 40°-45° C), and exposure to silver salts and antibiotics (for example, penicillin, Chloromycetin, and tetracycline).