Class Information

Disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) is a serious complication of gonorrhea that occurs when Neisseria gonorrhoeae spreads through the bloodstream, leading to systemic infection that most commonly affects the skin and joints. As rates of gonorrhea continue to evolve nationally, timely recognition and response to DGI are critical for both clinical care and public health practice.

This session will provide an in-depth overview of the current epidemiology of DGI, including emerging risk factors, host–pathogen interactions, and the role of whole genome sequencing in strain characterization and cluster detection. Participants will learn best practices for identifying and clinically managing DGI, including appropriate diagnostic approaches, recommended treatment regimens, and recognition of potential complications. The course will also highlight effective surveillance strategies and public health response efforts to identify and mitigate outbreaks.

Designed for clinicians, public health professionals, and disease intervention specialists, this training will equip participants with practical tools to improve patient outcomes and strengthen DGI detection and response efforts within their communities.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

·                  Describe the current epidemiology of DGI, including risk factors, host–pathogen interactions, and the use of whole genome sequencing for strain characterization and cluster detection.

·                  Apply best practices for the identification and clinical management of DGI, including appropriate diagnostic methods, treatment options, and potential complications.

·                  Identify strategies for effective surveillance and public health response to DGI outbreaks.

Date: March 4th, 2026

Time : 10:00 AM PT, 11:00AM MT , 12:00PM CT, 1:00 ET 

Location : Zoom link will be sent in confirmation email

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the UAB Heersink School of Medicine and the National STD Curriculum.  The ACCME accredits the UAB Heersink School of Medicine to provide continuing medical education for physicians. UAB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Dr. Sanjay Ram discloses institutional grants from NIH/NIAID, consulting fees from Roche, Genentech, Alnylam, Ionis Pharm, shareholder for StiRX, travel support from IUSTI, Monash Univ, NYAS, royalties from Lippincot. 

The planners and editors have no commercial affiliations to disclose.

All of the relevant financial relationships listed above have been mitigated.

CE Instructions
To obtain a CE certificate for this activity, the learner must complete the following criteria:

1. 1. Attend at least 50 minutes of instruction time
   2. Complete and submit the short-term evaluation form online
2.  

Participants who successfully complete the above requirements will receive a CE certificate, which will be emailed to you later. While not required, we encourage participants to complete the long-term evaluation form to help the planning team evaluate the success of the course.