Neisseria gonorrhoeae is best described as which morphology?

• A. Gram-positive cocci in clusters
• B. Gram-negative intracellular diplococci
• C. Spirochetes
• D. Gram-negative bacilli

Answer: (B)

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is best described as Gram-negative intracellular diplococci. On Gram stain, these appear as pink (Gram-negative) cocci that are paired in the classic diplococcus arrangement, and in purulent clinical specimens they are frequently found inside neutrophils, reflecting their tendency to invade and survive within phagocytes. This combination of staining (Gram-negative) and arrangement (diplococci) plus intracellular localization is distinctive for gonorrhea and helps differentiate it from other organisms. It’s not Gram-positive cocci in clusters (that pattern points to staphylococci), not spirochetes (like Treponema), and not Gram-negative bacilli (rods such as enteric bacteria).