14. Neisseria Flashcards
Where does neisseria usually colonise?
Upper respiratory tract
How does neisseria appear under the microscope?
Gram negative kidney-shaped diplococci
What environmental conditions are best for neisseria?
Aerobic but need CO2
What agar is needed for neisseria?
Blood or chocolate
How is N. meningitidis spread?
Droplet
Colonises nasopharynx of late teens
What are the risk factors for N. meningitidis infection?
Cramped living conditions Endemic area Smoking Underlying conditions Young age Recent viral respiratory infection Extreme fatigue
What are the serotypes of N. meningitidis based on?
Capsular polysaccharide
Which N. meningitidis strains are hypervirulent?
B and C
What are the virulence factors of N. Meningitidis?
Pili and fimbriae
Capsule
LOS endotoxin
Can replicate within neutrophils
What diseases can be caused by N. meningitidis?
Meningitis
Sepsis
Septic arthritis
What disease can be caused by the W serotype of N. meningitidis?
Pneumonia
GI symptoms
What samples can be used in the lab diagnosis of N. meningitidis?
Blood
CSF
Skin scrapings from rash
What empiric antibiotic should be given for an N. meningitidis infection?
Ceftriaxone
How is an N. meningitidis infection treated?
Antibiotics
Fluid replacement
Correct coagulation abnormalities
Admit to ICU and notify public health
Once you have an infection with N. gonorrhoea, you can’t get it again. T/F?
False
What are the virulence factors of N. gonorrhoea?
Pili and fimbriae Opa proteins LOS Outer membrane proteins IgA protease production Porin proteins Intrinsically able to acquire plasmids
What cells are targeted by LOS of N.G?
Urethral epitheloid
Sperm cells
What are the sites of an NG infection?
Mucous membranes of lower genital tract
Rectum
Pharynx
Conjunctivitis in neonates
What is the incubation period for NG?
2-7 days
What infections can NG cause in males?
Urethritis
Epididymitis
What infections can NG cause in females?
Cervicitis
Salpingitis
What complication can arise from salpingitis?
Scarring of fallopian tubes
Causes increased risk of ectopic pregnancy and infertility
What complications can arise from an NG infection?
BSI or septic arthritis
In pregnancy can increase risk of preterm delivery and chorioamnionitis
What sample is suitable to culture NG?
Swab of the infected site
