Mucopurulent cervicitis should raise suspicion for infection with which organisms?

• A. Herpes simplex virus
• B. Treponema pallidum
• C. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia
• D. Human papillomavirus

Answer: (C)

Mucopurulent cervicitis points most strongly to infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. These two bacteria are the classic culprits of cervicitis, and their infection in the endocervix typically produces purulent or mucopurulent discharge with cervical inflammation. Because these organisms commonly cause cervicitis, recognizing this presentation immediately raises suspicion for both gonorrhea and chlamydia and prompts appropriate diagnostic testing (often NAAT testing for both pathogens) and concurrent treatment.

Other infections can involve the cervix but present differently. Herpes simplex virus usually causes painful ulcers rather than a purulent cervical discharge. Treponema pallidum (syphilis) often starts with a painless chancre rather than mucopurulent discharge and has a different clinical course. Human papillomavirus typically causes warts rather than mucopurulent cervicitis.